break-in question

[tyler]

I am expecting my 330ci next week and would like some info on how to properly break-in the car. I know for the first 1200 miles to keep it under 100 mph and below 4500rpm. I am going to drive the car to work every other day and work is 75 miles away (one-way) all highway. I've read that it is important to vary the rpm of the engine, but with highway driving, not much traffic too,I'm always cruising at a constant speed. How can I properly break-in the engine and still use the car to go to work ? I will be using another car on other days so as not to put a tons of miles on the new car.

As always, your input is much appreciated!

 

[MrElussive]

Just drive the car how you want to drive it. As for varying the rpm's, they mean don't use cruise control for like 15 minutes straight. If it's an automatic transmission, then just let go of the accelerator and gas it again, to vary the rpm's. If it's a stick shift and you are cruising on the highway at like 65-70 (or however fast you go), just drive in 6th gear for a few minutes, then downshift and drive in 5th gear for a few minutes, then go into 6h, and you know, just alternate like that.

 

[mallards]

i was a little more careful ...

keep it under 100 mph ... keep it under 4500 rpm .... dont break too hard

and have only the oil filter changed at 2000-3000 miles

doing those things will guaruntee a long life for you engine ...

make sure to change rpms a lot like mrelussive said

also be sure to get an oil change every 7500 miles

Ben

 

[Average Jae]

i must've missed out on the varying rpm part.. i really dun have much to add to above comments.

just that it sure was painful around 1100miles.. well it was painful all the way up there, but esp just before the magic number, it was even harder.

enjoy your new ride~

 

[BAMA]

Break it in just how you're going to normally drive it, but with a touch less throttle. These are performance cars built to drive the Autobahn. Take it easy the first thousand or so miles, but get on it a little too. Above all else, wait for the engine to warm up. You do that, and you'll be fine. As for oil changes, my onboard computer says every 15K. More shouldn't hurt, but you can't lose if they're keeping count for ya.

 

[bahnstormer]

yes all good points. read the manual when u get your car, break in is documented there

 

[frolf]

allowing the engine to warm up is critical, as said before. now i know it doesn't say anything like this, but if i were to break in a new car right now, i'd run to 1200 miles soft, then give it another 100 or 200 miles of mediocre driving before i just buried the needle.

 

[tyler]

Thanks all!

I'll make sure to read the manual when I get the car. I've read the manual on-line on the Owners Circle site but it does not have it for MY2004. The 2003 manual shouldn't be much different though. I'll make sure to warm the engine up before driving. How long do I have to let it warm up before driving ?

Thanks also MrElussive for the suggestion of shifting gears to vary the rpm. I'll try to slow down and speed up while driving. Though most of the drive is on freeways, I'll make sure that I don't pose a hazard while doing it. Also I've read about engine braking, so I'll also try to do that.

 

[MrElussive]

There is a temperature gauge in every car...when you first turn the car on, it will be cold. The engine is fully warmed up when the needle is in the middle. To warm up the car, turn on the car and just drive it, but drive it gently. Do not accelerate hard and try not to go over 3,000rpm. Once the engine is fully warmed up, then drive it how you want. Warming up the engine properly is very important to a car's engine life...it is as important as changing your oil on schedule.

 

[codex57]

If you wanna vary the rpms on the highway and you have step, and easy way is to just put it into manual mode and knock it down a gear every so often while you coast. An easier and more fun way is to just don't cruise in one lane. Passing a car every now and then should cause a kickdown and that will vary your rpms.