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      12-18-2009, 12:26 AM   #1
mexicanmike
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Break In Gone Wrong

Maybe this has been asked in the past, but If i can get a detailed explanation of the consequences of an improperly broken in car that would be great. That is to say, what happens if someone doesn't follow the 1200 mile break in period? What happens if they don't break in the 3100 mile process properly? I bought the car used, and it is in mint condition as far as I can tell. The car had about 2400 miles on it, and according to a service guy, who bye the way compared car service records to medical records, the 1200 mile service was done on time, and the battery was changed recently (Didn't make extreme sense, but maybe someone was careless and left a light on). I couldn't get them to release the service records to me, but maybe if I talk to a local service agent I can get them. Anyway, back to the question, what are the consequences of a improperly "broke in" M?
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      12-18-2009, 12:47 AM   #2
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Honestly I think 99% of the break in thing is to make the owner feel good
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      12-18-2009, 12:52 AM   #3
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The more & more I'm starting to read threads on the break-in stuff, I'm just starting to think that the procedure is over-hyped.

I mean it's good to follow the break-in, but I don't think it'll really ruin the M if you don't.

This is just my feeling that has developed over the time I've spent on this forum.
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      12-18-2009, 01:01 AM   #4
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My Z4M was test driven several times and had it's break-in instructions disobeyed several times. The oil level has remained steady for the past 9000 miles... it doesn't burn a drop, and that is rare for an S54. I wouldn't worry at all.
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      12-18-2009, 01:17 AM   #5
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drive it like you stole it.
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      12-18-2009, 02:08 AM   #6
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Void warranty?
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      12-18-2009, 02:28 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nuespeedgti View Post
drive it like you stole it.
this. then you will get +100whp.
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      12-18-2009, 02:50 AM   #8
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A+ thread.

will read again
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      12-18-2009, 05:26 AM   #9
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It good to see this being discussed. Becuase this has never been discussed before in the forum. EVER.
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      12-18-2009, 05:31 AM   #10
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Uh huh....
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      12-18-2009, 05:38 AM   #11
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on my porsche...i was told to "drive it like i stole it" and not to do any slow break in...let it warm up properly and once at full operating temps drive the shit out of it. That is what i did. Porsche employee even explained that when they buy back cars, they prefer cars that are driven hard, and not ones owned by grandpas...that the engine last onger, developed less build uo ect.

there are people who believe it is better to break cars in that way...as cars do adapt to driving styles ect...theyre are more in depth reason that got to due to the metals in the engine (pistons ect) shaping.
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      12-18-2009, 06:07 AM   #12
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But in the M3 we have a sticker on the windshield, telling us how to drive up to 1,200 miles, and even up to 3,000 miles....I am not sure that you can drive it like you stole it in these conditions...BMW must be serious about those stickers on the windshield
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      12-18-2009, 07:30 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mexicanmike View Post
Maybe this has been asked in the past, but If i can get a detailed explanation of the consequences of an improperly broken in car that would be great. That is to say, what happens if someone doesn't follow the 1200 mile break in period? What happens if they don't break in the 3100 mile process properly? I bought the car used, and it is in mint condition as far as I can tell. The car had about 2400 miles on it, and according to a service guy, who bye the way compared car service records to medical records, the 1200 mile service was done on time, and the battery was changed recently (Didn't make extreme sense, but maybe someone was careless and left a light on). I couldn't get them to release the service records to me, but maybe if I talk to a local service agent I can get them. Anyway, back to the question, what are the consequences of a improperly "broke in" M?
SERIOUSLY........Nothing. The break-in procedure prevents against possible problems that may araise in maybe 1 in a few hundred engine builds that could be the result of tolerances being slightly off or something getting past quality control (Hans and Hansel get ripped on Thursday night too, you know). It's not like the old days when you had a very rough honing finish on cylinder walls that needed to be seated against piston rings. I'm not saying that the engine isn't tight and wont loosen up after a few thousand miles. I just think the break-in period is a little overly cautious considering today's technology.
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      12-18-2009, 07:31 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nawaaz View Post
The more & more I'm starting to read threads on the break-in stuff, I'm just starting to think that the procedure is over-hyped.

I mean it's good to follow the break-in, but I don't think it'll really ruin the M if you don't.

This is just my feeling that has developed over the time I've spent on this forum.
agreed
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      12-18-2009, 07:35 AM   #15
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I expected this thread to have pictures of an overweight burglar stuck in a small bathroom window.
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      12-18-2009, 07:41 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel View Post
I expected this thread to have pictures of an overweight burglar stuck in a small bathroom window.
I was thinking the same thing
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      12-18-2009, 07:46 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel View Post
I expected this thread to have pictures of an overweight burglar stuck in a small bathroom window.
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      12-18-2009, 07:48 AM   #18
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if you search online...theres alot of articles...and links like below...interesting...tons saying running hard is best...

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
http://motorcycles.suite101.com/arti...in_controversy
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      12-18-2009, 07:55 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sammyrusso View Post
if you search online...theres alot of articles...and links like below...interesting...tons saying running hard is best...

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
http://motorcycles.suite101.com/arti...in_controversy
I dont think there should be a general rule regarding break-in unless you know how the engine was built.
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      12-18-2009, 08:02 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND View Post
It good to see this being discussed. Becuase this has never been discussed before in the forum. EVER.
Really. This is good info.
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      12-18-2009, 08:46 AM   #21
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The break-ins are only a recommendation and aids the life of the engine (more so after the warranty has gone), unlike the 1200mile service which seriously affects the resale.
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      12-18-2009, 08:57 AM   #22
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Quote:
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Really. This is good info.
Every thread says the same thing.
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