Myths about the 1200 mile break in???

[12'M3Freak]

So I have heard and seen on here a few things that some how magically happen after the 1200 mile break in oil change, but are they true? Does anyone have proof to back these things up? I saw on the launch control thread that launch control is available after 1250 miles. The computer just switches it on. Also have heard a few say after the break in check up they do something to the software to allow full horsepower. Anyone have actual proof or BMW doc stating this? Does anything else happen or get changed?

[IFX]

who really knows... I have read about this and some people follow it some dont.

The fact is, NOT ONE person can say if not breaking the car in correctly will cause catastrophic failure down the road. Plain and simple.

[gblansten]

I am looking at 1200 miles in the rear view mirror now. That's other people's problems.

[jeff@autocouture]

after my 1200 mile service, my car gained 75whp!

[jeff@autocouture]

but seriously,
nothing changes

[gblansten]

I actually got my 1200 mile service at 700 miles when the computer alerted me to go to the dealer for the service.

[Stronghammer]

# 1 Myth: Your service advisor will know what to do at your 1200 mile service

[MKE_M3]

Originally Posted by Stronghammer

# 1 Myth: Your service advisor will know what to do at your 1200 mile service

So true. I made it VERY clear what I expected and they went out of their way to comment in multiple places on my receipt all of the fluids they changed.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Are you enjoying your popcorn? leave some for me will you

I just like to say this .... to the OP and others here ...

Gentlemen,

The prime purpose of the break in period is to treat your engine and transmission gentle. Both are major assemblies of your automobile and have been assembled by hand. There are as you know many moving parts that have very close running clearances. You may think of your engine as the heart of your automobile and the transmission as the circulation system.

Mechanical engine and transmission parts sometimes do have burrs and tiny metal shavings that are not always visible to the naked eye. Both assemblies are assembled in the strictest clean environment (if you ever visited the BMW or Mercedes factories you would be able to observe this yourself). Still there is always the possibility for the aforementioned tiny shavings and or burrs plus airborne dust. One can also refer to the afore mentioned (shavings, burrs and airborne particles) as foreign objects.

So, the prime purpose of the first oil change is to flush out all those unwanted so called "foreign objects" In the end that is all there is to it. Any other change made to the engine logic only BMW knows for sure, perhaps asking your SA or BMW Maintenance Department Manager my answer questions if there is any truth to other speculations.

[12'M3Freak]

I think SehrSchnell and StudntLoan are the only 2 that read the question.

Please read the question then reply. I really don't care about the fluids they change at the 1200 mile check or how clean the factory is (which is BS. Look closely at your paint and see all blemishes due to hair and dirt). I want to know about the 2 things I asked about. Nothing else. Pretty simple. Thanks to the 2 that actually read the question, somewhat. Haha.

[gblansten]

http://www.m3post.com/forums/search....rchid=20809374

[kwike92]

Originally Posted by 12'M3Freak

I think SehrSchnell and StudntLoan are the only 2 that read the question.

Please read the question then reply. I really don't care about the fluids they change at the 1200 mile check or how clean the factory is (which is BS. Look closely at your paint and see all blemishes due to hair and dirt). I want to know about the 2 things I asked about. Nothing else. Pretty simple. Thanks to the 2 that actually read the question, somewhat. Haha.

No magic happens. After 1200 miles that's when your able to really "drive" your car. I only gained 4hp. Lmao

[12'M3Freak]

Originally Posted by username11

Lunch control is only available after 1200 miles. Before that, you're on your own.

Why is that? What proof do you have?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by 12'M3Freak

I saw on the launch control thread that launch control is available after 1250 miles. The computer just switches it on.

True, although you must have your 1200 mile service performed first.

Also have heard a few say after the break in check up they do something to the software to allow full horsepower.

False.

Does anything else happen or get changed?

No.

Does anyone have proof to back these things up? Anyone have actual proof or BMW doc stating this?

I don't have any proof, and as far as I know it isn't documented by BMW anywhere either. I could be wrong about that though.

[PNWM3]

Originally Posted by 12'M3Freak

Why is that? What proof do you have?

Did you not read what he wrote? When you first get your M3 you leave work every chance you get to drive it the first 1200 miles or so. Lunch control comes after that as you've calmed down and can go eat a proper meal.

[Mthrice]

THINK about it. Launch control is only available after break in due to the high revs envolved in the launch. Break in periods end at different mileges due your individual driving habits. Approx 700-1300 miles for break in.

[12'M3Freak]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

True, although you must have your 1200 mile service performed first.

So they do something to it? The computer just doesn't go 1250 miles "switch let me have it". Hahaha.

False.



No.



I don't have any proof, and as far as I know it isn't documented by BMW anywhere either. I could be wrong about that though.

So they do something to it? The computer just doesn't go 1250 miles "switch let me have it". Hahaha.

Thanks for some honest answers to.

[12'M3Freak]

Originally Posted by Mthrice

THINK about it. Launch control is only available after break in due to the high revs envolved in the launch. Break in periods end at different mileges due your individual driving habits. Approx 700-1300 miles for break in.

Then why not wait till after 3000 miles when it is supposedly broken in all the way. You are not supposed to romp on it either between 1200-3000. Slowly work it up till 3000. At 1201 doesn't mean you can go 8400.

[Mthrice]

Originally Posted by 12'M3Freak

At 1201 doesn't mean you can go 8400.

Apparently it does. Cause launch control takes u all the way to redline!

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by 12'M3Freak

So they do something to it? The computer just doesn't go 1250 miles "switch let me have it". Hahaha.

Thanks for some honest answers to.

No prob.

The computer is still responsible for enabling it; however, it only knows the 1200 mile service has been performed because the tech clears the service indicator. So it does require human intervention, yes.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Mthrice

Apparently it does. Cause launch control takes u all the way to redline!

He didn't mean you aren't able to go to 8400 RPM at 1201 miles, he meant that you aren't supposed to.

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

True, although you must have your 1200 mile service performed first.

You should have your 1200 mile service done before you use launch control, but there is nothing stopping you from doing it if you are over 1250.
The software does not permit you to do launch control before ~1250 miles.
It does permit you to do launch control after ~1250 miles, whether you get the service done or not. There is nothing the dealer has to do to your software during service to allow launch control. No permissives are switched on. It just happens at 1250 whether service is done or not.

Also, as has been discussed a thousand times over the past 4 years, there is no software changes or permissives that increase horsepower or performance in any way shape or form.