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      12-01-2007, 06:05 PM   #1
Thunder Dan Majerle
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Correct method of "breaking in" a BMW

I've never owned a new car, let alone a BMW, but I would like to know others' thoughts on if there is a "correct" manner of breaking in a new BMW engine? And anything different for a turbo engine?

I've read about various methods online, but no real concensus.
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      12-01-2007, 06:12 PM   #2
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i think the general concensus is 500 miles under 4k rpm and to be on the safe side 1000 miles. And after that do an oil change.

but i've seen people with build motors break in their motors with a nice time at the drag strip.

I'd take the first method :]
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      12-01-2007, 06:50 PM   #3
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Depends on the engine. I believe most BMW engines do not have specific requirements on break-in (i.e. rev limits). Regardless, the important rule is this: vary engine speed, be easy on the clutch.
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      12-01-2007, 07:08 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ichiban View Post
i think the general concensus is 500 miles under 4k rpm and to be on the safe side 1000 miles. And after that do an oil change.

but i've seen people with build motors break in their motors with a nice time at the drag strip.

I'd take the first method :]
All new BMW engines are run at the factory now and do not need any service until the car computer tells you. My first service in my new 118 diesel is 30,000ks:smile:
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      12-01-2007, 08:07 PM   #5
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Some of these were already mentioned, but the BMW recommended break-in procedures will be in the owners manual. Generally you want to keep your revs below 4500, don't go above 100mph, avoid hard breaking and vary your engine speed often for the first 1200-1500 miles.

I like the idea of performing an oil change after that...so I'll probably try it out. As far as service intervals...the car will tell you. I don't wait till the service indicator to change my oil though. 15,000 miles between oil changes has always seemed completely insane to me. I do it every 5000 miles.
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      12-01-2007, 09:07 PM   #6
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This hot-topic will go on forever with people's unfounded fears and opinions. The bottom line here is breaking-in the powertrain means seating the wear-surfaces. Approximately 90% of that breaking-in happens in the first 20 miles of driving. Drive it dynamically and variably in those first 20 miles and you've done the job quite well. Make sure to include WOT from idle to redline, and also engine braking from redline to idle, and some varying engine load everywhere in the middle. Alot of people will freak out saying to drive off the lot [after warming it up] with your foot to the floor, but those same people haven't a clue what the physics of the break-in procedure is like.

Enjoy,
Ryan
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      12-01-2007, 09:50 PM   #7
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Some very different opinions here...
Anyone with the owners manual from a 335 want to post?
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      12-01-2007, 09:55 PM   #8
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Owners hand book says:

Up to 1250 miles
maximum 4500rpm or 100mph
Avoid full throttle and do not use the automatic transmission kick-down

From 1250 miles onwards
Engine and road speeds can be gradually increased


If you need to check on what service is required all you have to do is hand the remote control key to the BMW service adviser as all the cars information is held in the remote control key.
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      12-01-2007, 10:16 PM   #9
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http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ighlight=break
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      12-01-2007, 10:18 PM   #10
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break it in the way your guna drive it

mine will be on the track with in the first 1000 miles
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      12-01-2007, 11:43 PM   #11
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Read the manual.
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      12-02-2007, 12:37 AM   #12
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I dont care what anybody else say but for the first 1500 km or 1000 miles do not go over 60% of rpm of the redline and do not drive at a constant speed on the highway (ie do not do not drive a a constant rpm), drive on side streets to vary engine speed. As for oil changes, I would change oil for the first time after 5000 km or 3000 miles. I know BMW covers oil changes after 15 000 miles or 25 000 km but I would not worry about paying the extra $100 on an oil change for a car I was planning to keep. If it was lease that is a different story!
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      12-02-2007, 11:39 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by YYZATC View Post
I dont care what anybody else say but for the first 1500 km or 1000 miles do not go over 60% of rpm of the redline ...
Apparently you feel it's better to "shock" the rings and bearings to sudden high load well after they've worn in; why?
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      12-02-2007, 03:00 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryephile View Post
Apparently you feel it's better to "shock" the rings and bearings to sudden high load well after they've worn in; why?
Exactly...
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      12-02-2007, 05:10 PM   #15
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First 100 miles vary the rpm, go up and then come back down easy. Then keep it gentle for the next 1000 miles then let er rip.
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      12-02-2007, 07:37 PM   #16
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why vary RPMs? why not drive it as you normally would?
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      12-02-2007, 10:02 PM   #17
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BMW is well qualified to recommend the proper break-in procedure for the engine they designed and manufacture.

Those wear surfaces that need to mate together? BMW designed them. How many tens of thousands of test hours went into the develpment of the N54? Listen to the folks that brought this engine into existence.

They have spent more time with the N54 than any of us ever will.
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      12-02-2007, 10:24 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AJ~ View Post
BMW is well qualified to recommend the proper break-in procedure for the engine they designed and manufacture.

Those wear surfaces that need to mate together? BMW designed them. How many tens of thousands of test hours went into the develpment of the N54? Listen to the folks that brought this engine into existence.

They have spent more time with the N54 than any of us ever will.
You are so right. There is always others that no better. Bush is one of them!!
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      12-02-2007, 10:34 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kiwi View Post
You are so right. There is always others that no better. Bush is one of them!!
Bush didn't design the N54!:biggrin:
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      12-02-2007, 10:42 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerDave007 View Post
why vary RPMs? why not drive it as you normally would?
To ensure everything gets seated correctly and everthing comes together the way it should. I've noticed that many credible sources recommend varying the rpms the first few miles. I follow it for 100 miles.
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      12-03-2007, 01:06 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slipkmaggot View Post
Some very different opinions here...
The manual clearly states the 4.5k rpm, < 100 mph, no lugging, varying rpm, no full load for 1250mi rules. I've followed most of these recommendations, but not all.

I think the proper way to break in a BMW is as follows:
- Pick it up at the Welt in Munich
- Go to the nearby BMW dealership and ADAC across the street (accomplishes 3 things: gets you an Austrian vignette, allows you to buy cool BMW Euro items, varies the RPM over the first 20-30 miles)
- Head south, avoiding the Autobahn if possible (you can substitute any other cardinal point)
- Once you've reached at least 1000 miles, let her rip on the Nurburgring

Any other break-in methods have hereby been superceded by this one. :biggrin:
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      12-04-2007, 02:25 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MPower View Post
Depends on the engine. I believe most BMW engines do not have specific requirements on break-in (i.e. rev limits). Regardless, the important rule is this: vary engine speed, be easy on the clutch.
I totally agree, I have asked our techs many times and the said the same thing. No need for a break-in period, but vary the RPM and engine speed.
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