Break in period

[HiMoz]

Although it's a little too late now (1850 miles on my S), I would just like some clarification about the break in period. The manual says to stay under 4500rpm for the first 1250 miles. My dealer said nothing to this effect. He said to "vary your speed on the highway" and told me that "if you don't open the engine up early, it has a hard time opening up later." Is this bullsh*t, or is the manual correct?

[Mikem53]

Quote: Originally Posted by HiMoz

Although it's a little too late now (1850 miles on my S), I would just like some clarification about the break in period. The manual says to stay under 4500rpm for the first 1250 miles. My dealer said nothing to this effect. He said to "vary your speed on the highway" and told me that "if you don't open the engine up early, it has a hard time opening up later." Is this bullsh*t, or is the manual correct?

A little of both... The manual is corret in telling you to take it easy during break-in. Its more than just the engine breaking-in.
The ECM has "adapative" learning. It will learn your habits and load the fuel trims it needs accordingly. So, if you drive it easy all the time, its will take awhile before its learns your new style after break-in. You can always un-hook the battery and reset the ECM so its starts anew. But this is not necessary. It will learn your driving style. It also takes a good 5K miles before the engine loosens up some and becomes even quicker. So be patient.
Varying the speed on break-in is very important. It is also important to get a number of heat cycles in. So short trips are the best for break-in.... Not just one long road trip...
enjoy

[badboyzbadboyz]

Quote: Originally Posted by HiMoz

Although it's a little too late now (1850 miles on my S), I would just like some clarification about the break in period. The manual says to stay under 4500rpm for the first 1250 miles. My dealer said nothing to this effect. He said to "vary your speed on the highway" and told me that "if you don't open the engine up early, it has a hard time opening up later." Is this bullsh*t, or is the manual correct?

This is a topic of much discussion. Some people say drive it like you stole it from day one, others say follow the guidelines to the letter. Personally, I'm somewhere in between. I don't believe engines needs much running in these days so after a few hundred miles I did rev mine a fair bit every now and again. Besides, if it breaks thats what the warentee is for.

[Cooper76]

I stayed under 4,500 for the first 1500 miles. I drove the first 50 like a bat from hell though because I've heard that the computer learns a lot from the first 50-75 miles driven and adjusts its ratios from that. There is probably a good deal of truth in that because those who did not do that, when driving in MINIs that did, or vice versa, will notice a difference in response.

There are people who ignore the break-in period too and seem to be fine...I guess it's all a matter of your personal comfort level. Or degree of guilt if something break at 1,251 miles! Hahahaha...erm...

[Grimbo]

I pretty much set myself a redline of 5000rpm through break in, but occasionally strayed over it. Never for long periods though and not often. I personally reacon that its worth taking it a bit easy but not to baby it too much. Definately agree with varying the rpms though. There's plenty gears in the box, just keep moving around them

[paulr]

When I questioned my MA about the limit at delivery, he told me not to worry to much about the limit since I have an MCSa. I'm just not flooring it, I'm at about 500 miles.

Maybe what I'll do is reset the computer after break in then do what badboyzbadboyz did and 'drive it like you stole it'

[ceddyluv82]

Paul R - "Maybe what I'll do is reset the computer after break in then do what badboyzbadboyz did and 'drive it like you stole it'"


Sorry to bring up an old topic, but I am curious about that line. Is it a good way to go? I am keeping my mini under 3.5K rpm for now until I got about 1,000 miles on it. I did go to like 5 thousand once or twice( just because it was itching me so much ) Does the computer really set all of its info based on the first 50 miles or so? Thanks.