[john330i]

Quick query about engine/oil temperature.

I am aware that BMW no longer feel that it is necessary to include the old fashioned water/oil temperature gauges in their current 3 series, but I wondered whether there is any way of telling when your car is up to running temperature, other than driving for 15-20 minutes before using the car "enthusiastically?"

I had heard about the variable RPM thingy (not sure what it's called) and have seen it in action on a friend's 520d M Sport - where the lines on the rev counter that appear before the red line drop to a lower rpm when the car is cold and then gradually increase to their normal position when the car warms up (and I've also seen the E46 M3's rev counter lights arrangement - which does a similar thing to the 520d). Was this an option on the E90 or is mine just broken?

Thanks,

John