Quote:
Originally Posted by lucid
If there is a break-in procedure, it should be documented in writing in the owners manual or elsewhere. They can't just hold you to something the dealer just said.
|
Correct, it should be in the manual. This is what the manual for my E46 M3 says:
"To ensure that your vehicle provides maximum economy throughout a long service life, we request that you observe the following instructions:
Because of its engineering design, the BMW M3 is an especially high quality vehicle. It is in your best interest to follow the break-in procedure very closely. Doing this, you will create the basis for a long, optimum service life.
Engine and differential
Until a mileage reading of 1,200 miles (2,000 km): drive at varying engine
and road speeds, but do not exceed the following engine speeds or road
speeds: 5,500/rpm or 105 mph (170 km/h)
Obey your local and state maximum speed limits. Do not depress the celerator pedal to the full-throttle position.
> After you have monitored the breakin period for 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
you can begin to gradually increase both the engine speed and road speed.
You should also comply with these break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced later in the course of the vehicle service life.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water may form between the tire and the road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as aquaplaning, or hydroplaning, and can lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce your speed on wet roads.
Brake system
Approximately 300 miles (500 km) must elapse before the brake pads and disks
achieve the optimal pad-surface and wear patterns required for trouble-free
operation and long service life later on. To break-in the separate parking brake drums, apply the parking brake lightly when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic signal, for instance), provided that traffic conditions allow you to do so. To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure from time to time. The brake lamps do not come on when the parking brake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit on your BMW is available only when the engine is running. When you move the vehicle with the engine off – when
towing, for example – substantially higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.
Clutch
The clutch will also begin to function optimally after about 300 miles (500 km). Drive cautiously during this break-in period and do not shift roughly."