Method for operating an internal combustion engine, especially of an automobile

The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, by means of a control apparatus wherein a number of functions are carried out at time intervals and/or in dependence upon the rpm of the engine and wherein a quantity is determined which defines the utilization or work load of the control apparatus and wherein a quantity is determined defining the rpm of the engine. Furthermore, the invention relates to an internal combustion engine, especially for a motor vehicle, having a control apparatus by which a number of functions can be executed at time intervals and by which a quantity, which defines the utilization of the control apparatus, and a quantity, which defines the rpm of the engine, can be determined. An internal combustion engine, especially for a motor vehicle, is described which is provided with a control apparatus. A number of functions can be executed at time intervals and/or in dependence upon the rpm of the engine. Furthermore, a quantity (RA), which defines the utilization of the control apparatus, and a quantity (N), which defines the rpm of the engine, can be determined. The number of executed functions can be reduced by the control apparatus when the quantity (RA), which defines the utilization, is greater than a utilization threshold value (ASW).