Road Trip - M3 Forum 2010 2009 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BMW E90 M3 E92

chompino · 03-06-2008, 07:40 PM

Well, I just finalized my flight plans to pick up my car next weekend!

The only thing I am concerned about is the long drive home, so I guess this is more of a break-in question. Do you think it will be okay driving roughly 800 miles the day after i get it? Anything else I should keep in mind other than varying my speed, rpm, etc? I just got my flash drive in so I'm already loading it up with lots of music. lol

skierman64 · 03-06-2008, 07:46 PM

I think you have the right idea, vary the RPM, I'd occasionally run in 5th for short periods of time to run in a different RPM band for a while.

And don't forget to take pics of the road trip to share with us.

man02195 · 03-06-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chompino

Well, I just finalized my flight plans to pick up my car next weekend!

The only thing I am concerned about is the long drive home, so I guess this is more of a break-in question. Do you think it will be okay driving roughly 800 miles the day after i get it? Anything else I should keep in mind other than varying my speed, rpm, etc? I just got my flash drive in so I'm already loading it up with lots of music. lol

If it was me, I'd stop every couple of hours, let things cool while I get gas/food/pee/take a picture, then get back on the road again. Running on the highway, even varying speeds, won't allow the engine temperatures to rise/fall enough to let the new parts break-in.

chompino · 03-06-2008, 08:14 PM

Yep, that's a good suggestion. I'll probably stop and take short breaks along the way. I'm planning on spreading the trip into two days, so that should give me some extra time. Should I bring an extra quart of oil or anything? Don't worry, I'll take tons of pics and document the whole trip!!!

man02195 · 03-06-2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chompino

Yep, that's a good suggestion. I'll probably stop and take short breaks along the way. I'm planning on spreading the trip into two days, so that should give me some extra time. Should I bring an extra quart of oil or anything? Don't worry, I'll take tons of pics and document the whole trip!!!

Definitely oil, is the break-in oil different? probably wouldn't hurt to put the normal oil in if it's less than a quart. The digital oil readout looks cool in the instrument panel. Stay away from dump trucks, concrete trucks, etc.

Epacy · 03-06-2008, 08:54 PM

Yes, good luck protecting your baby on 800 miles of treacherous interstate.
A documented trip would definately be cool!
Have fun spending some quality time with your new ride.

ybbiz34 · 03-06-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chompino

Well, I just finalized my flight plans to pick up my car next weekend!

The only thing I am concerned about is the long drive home, so I guess this is more of a break-in question. Do you think it will be okay driving roughly 800 miles the day after i get it? Anything else I should keep in mind other than varying my speed, rpm, etc? I just got my flash drive in so I'm already loading it up with lots of music. lol

800 miles? Dang son.

drvai · 03-06-2008, 08:59 PM

Taking breaks is a great idea, and taking an extra day is an even better one.
Enjoy the ride and take a lot of photos.

About the oil: ask the dealership. I don't think you will be needing it, but it's better to be prepared.

NavNurs · 03-06-2008, 09:01 PM

I am in the same boat for 1100 miles! Anyone else know of tactics other than varying speed/rpm and occasional cooling periods?....... South...?

GregW / Oregon · 03-06-2008, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chompino

Well, I just finalized my flight plans to pick up my car next weekend!

The only thing I am concerned about is the long drive home, so I guess this is more of a break-in question. Do you think it will be okay driving roughly 800 miles the day after i get it? Anything else I should keep in mind other than varying my speed, rpm, etc? I just got my flash drive in so I'm already loading it up with lots of music. lol

Take a few side trips of the interstate for varying the conditions and just for fun.

Epacy · 03-06-2008, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Take a few side trips of the interstate for varying the conditions and just for fun.

Solid idea.

GregW / Oregon · 03-06-2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epacy

Solid idea.

Thanks--I thought of that because when I got my E46, I took a trip to southern Oregon (~300 miles ea. way). Went about 100 on the freeway, then cut over to the coast and took Hwy 1 along the ocean. Stayed at a great place on the Rogue River. Great trip. Also got up to 30 MPG because I was taking it easy.

par4bmw · 03-06-2008, 09:15 PM

You will be the first US owner to post a "long" term review

monsta · 03-06-2008, 09:55 PM

get a camera holder and mount it to the headrest and snap some videos, definitely hit some twisties don't just slab it all the way, much better/easier to vary RPM's on twisties then on interstates, btw were are you picking it up from? Do you have any map programs? I say devise a route that has very little interstate (unless its unavoidable) and have some real fun, plus some of these roads are less crowded then highways. .02

rvacha · 03-06-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

800 miles? Dang son.

Easy!

devo · 03-07-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by man02195

If it was me, I'd stop every couple of hours, let things cool while I get gas/food/pee/take a picture, then get back on the road again. Running on the highway, even varying speeds, won't allow the engine temperatures to rise/fall enough to let the new parts break-in.

I have heard that today's engine do not need to heat cycle. One of the worse things for any engine, especially during break in, is cold starts, even if the engine is not that cold. Obviously the engine has to be shut off sometime, but in a perfect world the best way to break in a new engine is without shutting it off for 1200 miles, therefore eliminating the minimal oil starvation. Varying load and revs will offer alternate engine temps.

chompino · 03-07-2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epacy

Yes, good luck protecting your baby on 800 miles of treacherous interstate.
A documented trip would definately be cool!
Have fun spending some quality time with your new ride.

Yeah, i'm hoping the clear bra helps with road hazards and whatnot. I'm just worried about running into snow on the way back. I've been spoiled in California and haven't seen snow in years. lol. I'll make sure and write up a good review when I get back!

chompino · 03-07-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by devo

I have heard that today's engine do not need to heat cycle. One of the worse things for any engine, especially during break in, is cold starts, even if the engine is not that cold. Obviously the engine has to be shut off sometime, but in a perfect world the best way to break in a new engine is without shutting it off for 1200 miles, therefore eliminating the minimal oil starvation. Varying load and revs will offer alternate engine temps.

Hmm, that is an interesting perspective. I hope for my sake that it is true.

In any case, i'll definitely try to range the load and revs.

asaulo1 · 03-07-2008, 02:00 PM

Dang... that will be soo cool.... where are you picking it up from? I was thinking of doing the same thing but fortunately I was able to find a "stealership" that gave me an early allocation. it's still a couple of hours away so it's still going to be a good drive.

chompino · 03-07-2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asaulo1

Dang... that will be soo cool.... where are you picking it up from? I was thinking of doing the same thing but fortunately I was able to find a "stealership" that gave me an early allocation. it's still a couple of hours away so it's still going to be a good drive.

Initially i was just going to ship it, but then I thought that it would be fun to drive it home and spend some time behind the wheel. I'm picking it up in New Mexico and then driving back to LA.

rick berry · 03-07-2008, 04:23 PM

I plan on picking mine up at the PC. Then head across rural southern Tennessee , across Arkansas ,then down to the house. Will be broken in then.
I going to try and keep off Interstate highways as much as I can.

rldzhao · 03-07-2008, 04:29 PM

well get some painter tape to cover the front or you will be seeing your first chips after your first drive

03-06-2008, 07:40 PM	#1
chompino First Lieutenant Drives: 08 AW M3 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Santa Monica, CA Posts: 359 iTrader: (0) View chompino's Garage	Road Trip Well, I just finalized my flight plans to pick up my car next weekend! The only thing I am concerned about is the long drive home, so I guess this is more of a break-in question. Do you think it will be okay driving roughly 800 miles the day after i get it? Anything else I should keep in mind other than varying my speed, rpm, etc? I just got my flash drive in so I'm already loading it up with lots of music. lol

03-06-2008, 07:46 PM	#2
skierman64 Colonel Drives: 2008 E92 Space Gray M3 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southern New Jersey Posts: 2,628 iTrader: (0) View skierman64's Garage	I think you have the right idea, vary the RPM, I'd occasionally run in 5th for short periods of time to run in a different RPM band for a while. And don't forget to take pics of the road trip to share with us. __________________ Space Grey/Black Novillo Leather, Carbon Leather Trim, Cold Weather, Premium, Technology, M-DCT, Sunshade, Park Distance Control, HD Radio, Ipod/USB, Premium Sound, Rear Fog Light Mod/// Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive

03-06-2008, 08:54 PM	#6
Epacy Reincarnated Drives: 02 Maxima SE Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: IL Posts: 4,217 iTrader: (0) View Epacy's Garage	Yes, good luck protecting your baby on 800 miles of treacherous interstate. A documented trip would definately be cool! Have fun spending some quality time with your new ride. __________________ Pearl Bliss

03-06-2008, 09:55 PM	#14
monsta Brigadier General Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bergen County, NJ/Y.O, NY Posts: 3,119 iTrader: (2)	get a camera holder and mount it to the headrest and snap some videos, definitely hit some twisties don't just slab it all the way, much better/easier to vary RPM's on twisties then on interstates, btw were are you picking it up from? Do you have any map programs? I say devise a route that has very little interstate (unless its unavoidable) and have some real fun, plus some of these roads are less crowded then highways. .02 __________________ 2008 E92 M3 6MT \| IB \| FR Ext\| CF Trim \| Cold Weather Package \| Premium Pkg \| Tech Pkg \| 19" \| Enhanced Premium Sound \| iPod/USB \| CF Grill \| GP Thunders 8500k \| Painted Reflector \| aFe Air Filter \| 20% Luminar Tint \| 3M Paint Protection \| VRS Ti Exhaust \| VRS II Diffuser

03-07-2008, 04:29 PM	#22
rldzhao Moderator Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 3,040 iTrader: (9)	well get some painter tape to cover the front or you will be seeing your first chips after your first drive __________________ '08 Jerez Black M3 Coupé DCT - Advan RS-D/Bridgestone RE-11/Moton Coilover/StopTech BBK/DIY Side Gills Retired: '08 Melbourne Red M3 Coupé 6MT / '08 Barbera Red 335xi Coupé / '07 Salsa Red VW Sagitar / '04 Milano Red Acura TSX

03-06-2008, 08:14 PM	#4
chompino First Lieutenant Drives: 08 AW M3 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Santa Monica, CA Posts: 359 iTrader: (0) View chompino's Garage	Yep, that's a good suggestion. I'll probably stop and take short breaks along the way. I'm planning on spreading the trip into two days, so that should give me some extra time. Should I bring an extra quart of oil or anything? Don't worry, I'll take tons of pics and document the whole trip!!!

03-06-2008, 08:59 PM	#8
drvai Captain Drives: E92 M3 AW Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: FL Posts: 882 iTrader: (0)	Taking breaks is a great idea, and taking an extra day is an even better one. Enjoy the ride and take a lot of photos. About the oil: ask the dealership. I don't think you will be needing it, but it's better to be prepared.

03-06-2008, 09:01 PM	#9
NavNurs First Lieutenant Drives: E92 / S2000 beater Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 308 iTrader: (0)	I am in the same boat for 1100 miles! Anyone else know of tactics other than varying speed/rpm and occasional cooling periods?....... South...?

03-06-2008, 09:15 PM	#13
par4bmw Lieutenant Drives: 370Z & My JK Toy Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 496 iTrader: (0)	You will be the first US owner to post a "long" term review

03-07-2008, 02:00 PM	#19
asaulo1 Lieutenant Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe, alp white Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Santa Clarita, CA. Posts: 565 iTrader: (0)	Dang... that will be soo cool.... where are you picking it up from? I was thinking of doing the same thing but fortunately I was able to find a "stealership" that gave me an early allocation. it's still a couple of hours away so it's still going to be a good drive.

03-07-2008, 04:23 PM	#21
rick berry Private First Class Drives: Drives 2008 m3/ 2009 750li Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: marshall texas Posts: 132 iTrader: (0)	I plan on picking mine up at the PC. Then head across rural southern Tennessee , across Arkansas ,then down to the house. Will be broken in then. I going to try and keep off Interstate highways as much as I can.