Car start procedure

[ptaylor24]

Is there some sort of procedure to follow when starting up a bimmer? I'm used to turning on the car, waiting about 20 seconds for the car to warm up and heading out.

When I start my 98 318i, I sit there and some vacuum sounding noise comes from the engine (I assume warming up the engine). Anyway, before I can get the rpm's up to 4 or 5 I have to wait for this noise to end. If I don't wait for it to finish the car is very unresponsive. Just wondering if anyone can fill me in on what this noise is at startup and if it's to be expected.

Also, I have the check engine light on and am just wondering how to replace that sensor or if I need to take it in to the shop. Thanks for the help

[M44140]

There's no procedure to starting a BM, just key in and turn( no foot on accellerator), can't really help on the start up noise, but one thing i can say is you shouldn't be trying to get the rev's up to 4 - 5000 with a cold motor, not if you want the engine to last anyway.

[El Presidente]

the start up procedure in the manual states get in and drive away slowly right after starting and staying below 3000 RPM until the correct operating temp is reached. The check engine light could be many things.

[0p5]

Eh, the only thing I can think of is in some models, putting they key in and turning the engine on has to be one fluid motion. i.e. you can't have your radio on and then immediately start the car, you have to go back to completely off, then turn it on.

[EXtech]

ptaylor: What I believe that you are hearing is the secondary air pump turning on. The reason you are hearing a "vacuum" sound and why the check engine light is because you either a. have a near-death sec. vac. pump b. have a leaking hose/connection or c.other leaking vac. hoses. It is normal to hear the sound a little, but from what you have described it sounds as if there is most likely a leak and this also contributing to the check engine light.
There is one other possiblility but I don't feel is near as likely because of the ability to "turn itself off". And that is the crankcase vent valve. When these things go bad on the 4 cyl. they usually make a real loud vac. sound and will also cause unresponsiveness with the engine.
So, you either need to attempt to examine the car yourself or take it to a qualified reputable repair facility and have the faults read.

Good Luck!!!

[ptaylor24]

Thanks for the replies. I meant 2-3k rpm's my bad. I think I'll take it to my mechanic. The check engine light is buggin me.