Running in new mini

[Stelly]

Hi People,

I'm looking at getting my mini on the 1st of March (its going to be like christmas!!) and I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me please...

1. What is recommended for running in my mini? what am I supposed to stick to and do?
2. Any personal views in what else I should do when running my mini in?
3. Has anyone had any bad experiences with Haliwell Jones in Chester? and if so would it be better taking it to Liverpool?

Thanks for this people

Stelly

[supercharged]

Hi Stelly.

When it comes to running in, there are a lot of different opinions and views. I personally suggest you stick to the running-in information given in the manual that comes with the car. The Manual suggests that for the first 1,250 Miles or 2,000 KM you should drive at varying engine speeds, without exceeding 4500 RPM or 150KM/h. They also say that you should absolutely avoid putting the accelerator in full-throttle or kickdown position. After the 1250 Miles/2000KMs engine speeds can gradually be increased.

You should also take brakes and the clutch into cosideration. No heavy braking should be done under 300Miles/500KM. Even then, you should try go easy on them for a while. The clutch needs 300 Miles/500KM as well.

I am sure you will get many different opinions though.

All the best.

SuperCharged

[Stelly]

Thanks mate...

Sounds good to me... its tempting to put your foot down though... especially in a cooperS... shocking hey?

Stelly

[supercharged]

I know. It's like you just want to put the pedal to the metal. I think in the long run a good run-in period will be beneficial though.

Good luck

[Themikanic]

And, whatever you do...............DON'T leave the oil change to the recommended service interval. Replace the engine oil & filter at about 2000 Km OR 1500 miles.
Mike.

[DeadCanDanceR]

Quote: Originally Posted by Themikanic

And, whatever you do...............DON'T leave the oil change to the recommended service interval. Replace the engine oil & filter at about 2000 Km OR 1500 miles.
Mike.

Why???

[andyupnorth]

Quote: Originally Posted by DeadCanDanceR

Why???

Some people like to change the oil after the "break-in" period as they believe the filter will not catch any microscopic particles of metal that might have been liberated when the engine wears in. For years it was standard practice for cars to have this early oil change.

Manufactures of vehicles and producers of synthetic oils say this is no longer necessary due to advances in technology. At the end of the day it is your choice if you do it or not and no one has been able to come up with a definitive argument for or against. Oil tests on break-in oil done by members of the forum have been inconclusive but the general condition of the oil has suggested that it makes no difference one way or the other whether you change it after break-in or let it go to 10k miles.

Basically, I'm sitting firmly on the fence as it's a contentious subject! Someone will be along shortly to put an argument firmly in favour of doing an early change.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by andyupnorth

Someone will be along shortly to put an argument firmly in favour of doing an early change.

Me, me, me!

Oh, I just can't be bothered to go through all that again It doesn't really matter though, because whatever I say will be contradicted by someone who feels it is right to negate all the benefits of greatly improved oil technology by leaving that wonder oil in place until it's completely knackered!

Tigger.

PS Enjoy your new MINI, they're great.

[DeadCanDanceR]

Quote: Originally Posted by andyupnorth

Some people like to change the oil after the "break-in" period as they believe the filter will not catch any microscopic particles of metal that might have been liberated when the engine wears in. For years it was standard practice for cars to have this early oil change.

Manufactures of vehicles and producers of synthetic oils say this is no longer necessary due to advances in technology. At the end of the day it is your choice if you do it or not and no one has been able to come up with a definitive argument for or against. Oil tests on break-in oil done by members of the forum have been inconclusive but the general condition of the oil has suggested that it makes no difference one way or the other whether you change it after break-in or let it go to 10k miles.

Basically, I'm sitting firmly on the fence as it's a contentious subject! Someone will be along shortly to put an argument firmly in favour of doing an early change.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question!!! My MINI has only 1500 kms, so the breaking-in period is about to end, and I must be ready to decide one way or the other!

[Bananafishbones]

Quote: Originally Posted by Stelly

1. What is recommended for running in my mini? what am I supposed to stick to and do?
2. Any personal views in what else I should do when running my mini in?
3. Has anyone had any bad experiences with Haliwell Jones in Chester? and if so would it be better taking it to Liverpool?

Just my two pence worth...
1. I followed the manual's guidance for the run-in, except the odd foot flat on the floor to about 4500rpm, and later on (after about 850miles) the rare foot flat on the floor until 6000rpm. My reasoning being that the valves will benefit from the very occasional experience of being fully open. You aren't gonna break it, you definately shouldn't do it too often (until after 1250miles ), but I genuinely believe it's gonna give those valves a proper run-in period.
2. See above.
3. Nope can't help here.....

As a further bit of info, I've used Shell Optimax almost exclusively since day 1, and it is definately better than normal 95RON for engine responsiveness, and far more lively in the screamin' banshee 4500rpm to 6000rpm Looked at the oil the other day, for a top-up, after almost 9000miles and it looked almost new Can therefore highly recommend the magical nectar that is Optimax. And no I don't work for 'em

[carla_pink]

Hello,

I pick up my mini on the 1st March too - so I know how you feel right now.

Looks like we're quite close as well - mine is from Williams Bolton.
Enjoy your mini!

[techiedoc]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo

Me, me, me!

Oh, I just can't be bothered to go through all that again It doesn't really matter though, because whatever I say will be contradicted by someone who feels it is right to negate all the benefits of greatly improved oil technology by leaving that wonder oil in place until it's completely knackered!

Tigger.

PS Enjoy your new MINI, they're great.

I am nearing the 1500 mile mark now in my new MINI cooper. If I would like an early oil service,could I possibly use the TLC first service voucher ?

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by techiedoc

I am nearing the 1500 mile mark now in my new MINI cooper. If I would like an early oil service,could I possibly use the TLC first service voucher ?

I don't know if you could, but I certainly wouldn't recommend that you did.

This is because you will then loose one "free" service and gain a "free" oil change. You would, therefore, be a lot worse off financially.

Tigger.

[batfink]

Although this thread is a little dated, it applies to me......

What is the thinking 'now' with regards to early oil/oil filter change, is there some conclusion, recommendation? I have just hit 2,000km in my Cooper S works (factory fitted) Oct 2005 build.

I have been told that as it is factory fitted a 2,000km oil change is not required (normally the case for non-factory fitted I believe).

I have not driven the car hard at all.

Also, stupid question but what is this TLC 'thang' ....I am guessing it does not exist here in Switzerland..

Thanks!