a friend of mine was telling me that i shouldn't let the engine idle too much, and i say the dealer told me to make sure the car is warmed up before going... then he tells me i can damage the car by letting it sit there for too long... and i was wondering is there any truth to what he said or was he just getting sick adn tired of having to wait for me and my car to wam up.

 

I know this car was built to run. But, damaged at idle????? Don't know about that one....

 

thats what i'm thinking, i have a feeling he just wanted me to get going cause he was sick of sitting in the car... impatient b@$^!) ... i just wanted to get the opinion of someone else who owns an 8

 

I don't think it hurts it to idle really. I do know you don't have to let idle for too long. Only a minute or two to get the fluids flowing.

-JiM

 

The manual states that a warm up period is not necessary, it says to allow the engine to start, let the engine smooth out, takes about 30 or so seconds, and go. Piston engines you really have to warm up due to something about expanding pistons going up and down can warp the insides of the engine. (I'm IT not mechanics, so excuse my dumbed down description). As far as idle hurting the engine, the only thing I've noticed is that it burns gas more at idle, and I believe the engine gets hotter at idle.

 

in the manual it says to avoid prolonged start-up periods>? and yes- I think the 8 burns the most gas while sitting in idle!!!!!! extreme amounts from what I have seen

 

I will second Astor's advice. Let the car warm up until it gets down to about 1500 rpms and then keep the revs below 4500 rpms till it warms up. I think what the dealer may have been trying to warn you about was turning the engine off cold. Those short trips we all have read so much about that has lead to some people flooding the engine.

 

Basically, you should give it 30 or so seconds at cold start.
The air pump is still doing its thing then and it will make for a really high idle and somewhat rough drive off at times if you don't.

Start the car and by the time you have the belts on, sunglasses in place, your garage open and you are sure you won't back over any kids, it should be ready to go!

 

The kids! Damn, I knew there was something I was forgetting to check! :D