Break In Gone Wrong

mexicanmike · 12-18-2009, 01:26 AM

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?

FStop7 · 12-18-2009, 01:47 AM

Honestly I think 99% of the break in thing is to make the owner feel good

Nawaaz · 12-18-2009, 01:52 AM

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.

chris719 · 12-18-2009, 02:01 AM

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.

nuespeedgti · 12-18-2009, 02:17 AM

drive it like you stole it.

brava09 · 12-18-2009, 03:08 AM

Void warranty?

MrHarris · 12-18-2009, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuespeedgti

drive it like you stole it.

this. then you will get +100whp.

FruitCake · 12-18-2009, 03:50 AM

A+ thread.

will read again

URBAN LEGEND · 12-18-2009, 06:26 AM

It good to see this being discussed. Becuase this has never been discussed before in the forum. EVER.

osteome · 12-18-2009, 06:31 AM

Uh huh....

DD GT3 RD · 12-18-2009, 06:38 AM

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.

brava09 · 12-18-2009, 07:07 AM

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

Kyoshi71 · 12-18-2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexicanmike

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.

Kyoshi71 · 12-18-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nawaaz

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

mkoesel · 12-18-2009, 08:35 AM

I expected this thread to have pictures of an overweight burglar stuck in a small bathroom window.

Jaypod · 12-18-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I expected this thread to have pictures of an overweight burglar stuck in a small bathroom window.

I was thinking the same thing

J08M3 · 12-18-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I expected this thread to have pictures of an overweight burglar stuck in a small bathroom window.

DD GT3 RD · 12-18-2009, 08:48 AM

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

Kyoshi71 · 12-18-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammyrusso

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.

ersin · 12-18-2009, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

It good to see this being discussed. Becuase this has never been discussed before in the forum. EVER.

Really. This is good info.

footie · 12-18-2009, 09:46 AM

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.

Radiation Joe · 12-18-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ersin

Really. This is good info.

Every thread says the same thing.

12-18-2009, 01:26 AM	#1
mexicanmike Captain Drives: 09 E93 Jerez Black Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Morgan Hill, CA Posts: 636 iTrader: (0)	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?
	Tweet

12-18-2009, 01:47 AM	#2
FStop7 I like cars Drives: M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 5,061 iTrader: (3)	Honestly I think 99% of the break in thing is to make the owner feel good __________________ My photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/racelap/

12-18-2009, 03:08 AM	#6
brava09 Captain Drives: E92 M3 JB Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: europe Posts: 627 iTrader: (0)	Void warranty? __________________ 08 E92 M3 Jerez Black 6MT 08 E92 335i 6MT traded in for M3

12-18-2009, 06:26 AM	#9
URBAN LEGEND Champ Drives: '13 M5 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: GA Posts: 1,137 iTrader: (0)	It good to see this being discussed. Becuase this has never been discussed before in the forum. EVER. __________________ 2013 M5 2011 550i-Sold and not missed 2009 M3-What a machine.

12-18-2009, 06:31 AM	#10
osteome Captain Drives: 2009 M3 E93 SSII/Bamboo Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Lansing, KS Posts: 945 iTrader: (2)	Uh huh.... __________________ 2009 M3 E93 Silverstone II over Bamboo: 6MT, Tech, Premium, Cold, Premium Sound, Ipod, 19'' Wheels, OEM Exhaust Mod.

12-18-2009, 01:52 AM	#3
Nawaaz Brigadier General Drives: . Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: . Posts: 4,647 iTrader: (0)	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.

12-18-2009, 02:01 AM	#4
chris719 Second Lieutenant Drives: '08 M Roadster Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 267 iTrader: (0)	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.

12-18-2009, 02:17 AM	#5
nuespeedgti Captain Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rehoboth, MA Posts: 713 iTrader: (3)	drive it like you stole it.

12-18-2009, 03:50 AM	#8
FruitCake Banned Drives: '10 E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,687 iTrader: (19)	A+ thread. will read again

12-18-2009, 06:38 AM	#11
DD GT3 RD Major Drives: 08 M3 DCT AW/Red Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Hollywood Posts: 1,252 iTrader: (1)	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. __________________ 13 E92 M3 ZCP - WSIR 1:34:5 / BW C13 2:03:6 (stock besides wheels/tires R-s3) Past: Boss 302 - WSIR 1:32:8 / BW C13 2:02:00 C63 w/P31 / 997.2 GT3 / E92 M3 / B7 RS4

12-18-2009, 07:07 AM	#12
brava09 Captain Drives: E92 M3 JB Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: europe Posts: 627 iTrader: (0)	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 __________________ 08 E92 M3 Jerez Black 6MT 08 E92 335i 6MT traded in for M3

12-18-2009, 08:35 AM	#15
mkoesel Moderator Drives: IB/PS M-DCT E93 M3 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI Posts: 11,722 iTrader: (1)	I expected this thread to have pictures of an overweight burglar stuck in a small bathroom window. __________________ 2008 Interlagos Blue E93 M3 - M-DCT 2011 Salsa Red Jetta TDI Sportwagen - DSG

12-18-2009, 08:48 AM	#18
DD GT3 RD Major Drives: 08 M3 DCT AW/Red Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Hollywood Posts: 1,252 iTrader: (1)	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 __________________ 13 E92 M3 ZCP - WSIR 1:34:5 / BW C13 2:03:6 (stock besides wheels/tires R-s3) Past: Boss 302 - WSIR 1:32:8 / BW C13 2:02:00 C63 w/P31 / 997.2 GT3 / E92 M3 / B7 RS4

12-18-2009, 09:46 AM	#21
footie Major General Drives: ???????????? Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: BMW M3 will get a V6TT Posts: 7,508 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	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.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search