When is it safe to track?

[dailym3]

Hi All,

After admiring these cars for many, many years I finally took the plunge and ordered my M3. It will be here in about a month and I plan to drive it daily, road trip in it, and track it. These cars are meant to do everything right?

My question is, when is it safe to track the car? I've read about the 1200 mile break-in and service, so I was assuming right after that. Then I read something about BMW recommending a gradual increase in rpms above 5500 after 1200 miles...whatever that means. I'm thinking they simply mean don't redline the car constantly right after the initial service, but maybe work into it over a couple hundred miles or so? So track ready at say 1400 miles? Thanks for the input!

[pikkagtr]

Track ready on day 1.
Always broken in my cars from the start with hard drives on the highways then an oil change
07 sti
06 evo ix
10 evo X
F30 335i
And just got back to the states after my f80m3 Ed drove her on the autobahn over 150 and quite a bit of 95-140 runs wot
Runs like a champ
BTW those still/ evos always more power on the dyno with same mods after a tune than other peoples car they babied from the start

[MasterC17]

I would say after you've had the break-in service you are good to go.

[MaynardZed]

I tracked mine before break in service at about 900 miles. Just a couple of sessions and only at 7/10ths though.

[gthal]

My biggest concern wouldn't be the engine but, rather, putting too much stress, too early, on the rear diff and gear box. Personally, I would wait until the break-in service was done and the car had fresh fluids.

I know many people ignore the break-in period but I typically follow BMW's recommendations because they are engineers and I'm not Besides, if the rear diff fell out of the car and the dealer said it was your fault for going to the track too soon and not following break-in, how would that work out?

[Gearhead999s]

After the 2000 km service is what I have done in the past with no issues.I do not follow the break in schedule but the drive line breakin is much more important than the engine.Generally by 100 kms my engine has seen full throttle & rpm for short periods.I have never had oil consumption issues with any of my M cars.

[dailym3]

Great feedback everyone. Thank you!

[M3 Esq]

I'd wait until after the break in.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by pikkagtr

Track ready on day 1.


And just got back to the states after my f80m3 Ed drove her on the autobahn over 150 and quite a bit of 95-140 runs wot
Runs like a champ

BTW those still/ evos always more power on the dyno with same mods after a tune than other peoples car they babied from the start

+1

Agreed on all counts

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by MasterC17

I would say after you've had the break-in service you are good to go.

+1. Break the car in correctly before you push it.