Typical Break-in period

[BlueElectron]

Hello All,

Just wondering what is the typical break-in period for a BMW 3? Dealership was no help and told me I can drive as hard as I can straight out of the showroom.

With my previous cars I've stick to the 1000km break-in period with driving speed limited to 100 k/h, also varying driving speeds so engine can be break-in at full range (i.e. try to avoid constant highway speed during break-in).

Does the above make sense with a 3? Or people here on the board recommends something different?

Thanks in advance.

[floydr]

Hello All,

Just wondering what is the typical break-in period for a BMW 3? Dealership was no help and told me I can drive as hard as I can straight out of the showroom.

With my previous cars I've stick to the 1000km break-in period with driving speed limited to 100 k/h, also varying driving speeds so engine can be break-in at full range (i.e. try to avoid constant highway speed during break-in).

Does the above make sense with a 3? Or people here on the board recommends something different?

Your salesman is a moron. It's in the manual: 1200 miles, keep it under 3500/4000 RPM, less than 100 mph. Varying driving speed/rpm.

[BlueElectron]

Oops, should've read my manual! My bad on that one.

[Philz BMW]

Ok, I'll go ahead and toss this out there now....kinda like the "which oil" and "best tires" and "how often to change the oil" threads.... :alright

drive it like you stole it, right off the lot

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

[NFerber]

There are 2 different camps out there. One will say follow the manual, because the manufacture should know best on how to break in their cars. The other will say that the break in period method is garbage, and you should be pushing the motor so the rings seat correctly and thus giving you more power over the long run.

Is one better then the other, who knows. Do what you feel most comfortable with, it's your car.

[NFerber]

On another note, I just re-read the article listed above. And it lists the 3 ways to break in the engine, one being a dyno run. I know some manufactures do dyno test their cars before shipping them out, does anyone know if BMW also does this?

[mryakan]

On another note, I just re-read the article listed above. And it lists the 3 ways to break in the engine, one being a dyno run. I know some manufactures do dyno test their cars before shipping them out, does anyone know if BMW also does this?
Yes they do for a couple of kms, so it is not really for break in. They have to do this to test the car out. I believe they do it on machines that can have all 4 wheels turning. I recall seeing a video of a car being tested a while back, maybe if you do a youtube search you will find it.
That being said, it is a good idea to follow the manufacturer recommendations for more reasons than one, including your own safety. All components are brand new on the car and need time to settle. Even the tires have glazing from the manufacturing process and should not be pushed to the limit off the bat. In fact, it is recommended that you follow some break in procedure whenever you replace any major component on the car (e.g. brakes, tires, suspension, engine, etc). Is it set in stone? NO. Are there any sideeffects if you don't? Maybe, it is not easy to correlate failure tens of thousands of miles later to lack of proper break in. I say it is better safe than sorry.

[mikeSS]

the break in thing is soooooooo over rated. they make engines these days to well to need any breaking in. o and if something happens down the road, you have a warranty on any brand new car. so who cares ?

drive normal.

[Philz BMW]

the break in thing is soooooooo over rated. they make engines these days to well to need any breaking in. o and if something happens down the road, you have a warranty on any brand new car. so who cares ?

drive normal.

Exactly, especially if you buy a new car. Drive it like a maniac for 3 years, and then sell it/trade it in. Let the next guy deal with it. :buttrock