New 330ci -> Breaking it in

[mrblonde]

Hello,

I just got my 330ci, 2004 brand new! I'm just breaking it in now. Although I did get it over 4500 rpm and 100mph on two highway stretches ... i had to!

Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks!

 

[Kirby]

Congrats on your new car! It is SOOO tempting to crank it up. The biggest thing is to just keep it under 4500 rpm for 1200 miles, and to always vary the engine speed over a minute or two. In other words, don't use the cruise control. It's healthiest for the engine to experience a variety of speeds to break in. If you "accidently" go over 4500 RPM for a second or two it won't cause any trouble. 10, 15, 20 seconds could *in theory* lead to the problem zone, especially if you do it alot.

Also, my manual also suggested to take it easy on the brakes for a few hundred miles as I recall.

Have fun!!

 

[mrblonde]

Awesome … I notice a lot of brake dust in my rims this morning. I guess this is normal as the brakes need to smooth down a bit? I haven’t done any kind of hard braking. Just normal driving.

 

[Kirby]

That's always a popular topic. BMW pads do create a good amount of dust on the wheels, just part of life with a BMW. It won't really decrease much after the breaks wear in. Some people have used special waxes that seem to help. I tried waxing mine with a polymer wax and noticed only a little difference.

 

[codex57]

Yup, just var your revs (don't use cruise control) and stay under 4500 rpm. Once you hit 1200 miles though, don't ramp it up and redline constantly. Build it up too.

Brake dust is just an everyday evil BMW owners have to live with unfortunately. Mine creates a visible difference after just one short drive. Ahh well, I've never felt better brakes so I'll live with it.