electrical and ignition Freeway Rpm's

[willie002]

This topic has most likely been covered a 100 times but I did not find anything with the search. I have a stock 74' 2002 with approximately 60,000 miles on a rebuild and I'm curious if anyone can give me any ideas of what kinds of RMP's I can safely run at on the interest's. I typically run at 3500 to 4000 now. Which puts me in the 60 to 70 MPH range. Is that low, just right, or a little high to hold the RMP's constant for an hour or better on a trip. I don't burn excess oil, temp stays below half way mark, no lights, flashers or buzzers going off. I guess I'm wondering if I couldn't run it at 4500 RPM and really keep up with all the traffic.

[Poloace]

I run all day at like 4500 rpms pushing 80 MPH in so cal. My car is happy and peppy there. We find ourselves dancing with wolves on the freeway w no issues.

P

[bmwbabe]

I try not to stay at that high of RPM for too long. Its just not good to be beating the motor like that. It wasn't made to run at that high of speeds for long periods of time. On the freeway I typically am between 3000-3500 and my car is a weekend vehicle so it's only every once in a while.

Edited October 17, 2013 by bmwbabe

[BlueBarchetta]

Are you new to 2002s? I was 3 years ago, and was nervous about over-revving as well. After a few months, I realized that these suckers LOVE to rev, and actually 'settle in' or 'hunker down' the faster you go. (I know this sounds weird) They are happy north of 4000+ RPMs. I've gone on 2 hour trips (each way) at a constant 4000 RPMs. It did run somewhat hot, but that's what the heater is for in the summer   I haven't taken my '02 over 5000 RPMs on constant highway driving, but this is what they were designed for.... If you are nervous, do some short trips, and lengthen the trip, revving the engine at higher RPMs each time.... FWIW, I usually rev at 4300-4500 (75-80 mph) when I'm on the highway for long trips...

Edited October 17, 2013 by BlueBarchetta

['76mintgrün'02]

I believe the '74 has a 3.64 diff (stock) as opposed to the 3.91 in my '76.  I am thinking of swapping mine for a recently acquired 3.64 during the rear re-bush procedure.  I know they can withstand higher RPMs, but I keep reaching for a fifth gear that is not there.  I will keep the original, in case I ever go the five speed route, but that will not be any time soon. 

 

Two questions... can the engine take the revving and can you tolerate the decibels? 

[bmwbabe]

I have a 76 automatic. So maybe that's why I am a bit more skeptical? A 5 speed will be in it soon so my worries should be gone hopefully.

[BlueBarchetta]

Are you new to 2002s? I was 3 years ago, and was nervous about over-revving as well. After a few months, I realized that these suckers LOVE to rev, and actually 'settle in' or 'hunker down' the faster you go. (I know this sounds weird) They are happy north of 4000+ RPMs. I've gone on 2 hour trips (each way) at a constant 4000 RPMs. It did run somewhat hot, but that's what the heater is for in the summer   I haven't taken my '02 over 5000 RPMs on constant highway driving, but this is what they were designed for.... If you are nervous, do some short trips, and lengthen the trip, revving the engine at higher RPMs each time.... FWIW, I usually rev at 4300-4500 (75-80 mph) when I'm on the highway for long trips...

[M3M3M3]

there is no problem with running a properly maintained M10 at any level below the redline for long periods. it is NOT beating on it and it WAS made to run like that.  if you are below 4k rpm all the time you are missing out on the "fun zone" of these engines. wind'em up!

Edited October 17, 2013 by mlytle

[OriginalOwner]

 The advertising literature from days gone by will tell you the 2002 was designed to cruise at autobahn speeds all day long, which let's say equates to 100mph.  My RPM chart says that's 5,200rpm give or take.

 

 so +1 the other guys ...... you're a long way from doing any engine damage.  My engine has 240,000 miles and I've worried about it.

 

Go fast and be safe while doing so.

 

Cheers,

 

Carl

Edited October 17, 2013 by OriginalOwner

[bmwbabe]

Thanks for the input. I will now be cruising with everyone else on the road.

 

-Aspen

[76dailydriver]

Drove my 76 from cali to its new home in houston texas. About 26-30 hour trip. Average 4000-4300 rpms for straight 5-6 hours at a time with no issues. Go for it... Wind er up!

[Preyupy]

In 1974 we drove from the BMW factory in Munich to the Nurburgring and spent a lot of the trip on the autobahn at close to 6000 in top gear (and we were in the RIGHT lane) If it is a healthy engine don't worry about cruising at 5000-5500 they really do like it (your fuel mileage will suffer, shoving that box through the air at that speed is not easy)

[ndog]

In 1974 we drove from the BMW factory in Munich to the Nurburgring and spent a lot of the trip on the autobahn at close to 6000 in top gear (and we were in the RIGHT lane) If it is a healthy engine don't worry about cruising at 5000-5500 they really do like it (your fuel mileage will suffer, shoving that box through the air at that speed is not easy)

[jessiejake02]

When I first got my 02, I would rev it high  but was always so worried about the engine jumping out of the engine bay cuz it's freaking loud.  So much better cruising in the freeway now that i have convert to the 5 speed.

Edited October 17, 2013 by jessiejake02

[Mike Self]

With a 3.64 differential, a 4 speed tranny will cause the engine to turn 4000 rpm at 74 mph.  With the overdrive 5 speed, the revs drop to about 3200 at the same 74 mph.  Neither will come even close to stressing the engine so long as it's not been abused. 

 

My 1969 owners manual says not to drive above 100 mph for sustained periods....

 

mike