Illogical BMW "Break-in" Recommendation
08-30-2005, 10:49 AM
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This topic assumes that you know about correct engine break-ins.
I'm laying in bed one night, reflecting all the information I have read about break-in process for new motors. Then I remember BMW's advice and here's what I have came up:
1. FACTS: Racing experts say to do "hard" break-ins to get the most power. Engine may not last. Street experts say to break-in moderately. Just about everyone say NOT to use synthetic oil, but regular oil.
Logic: Break-in moderately because you want the balance of power and lasting. Why does BMW put synethic oil in and tell you not to change the oil until 14K miles?
2. FACTS: Experts say that the break-in process is relatively short - about 20 miles to 100 miles.
Logic: To be liberal, lets say maximum of 500 miles for break-ins. Why does BMW say 1200 miles? Is it because the synthetic oil? Expert say not to use it; additionally, you must change the oil after break-ins.
3. FACTS: Experts say that 2K RPM will not help seal the rings. You must do at least 3K RPM. Varying RPM is advised.
Logic: BMW says to vary speed (maybe RPM too). City driving - that makes sense if you can put above 2.5K RPM. Highway driving? Varying from 55 mph to 85 mph will attract lots of wanna-be racers - one minute you pass them, the other minute you slow down. Additionally, you would have to shift to vary over 1K RPM difference (2k to 3.5K)
Conclusion:
BMW's break-in process is bogus. First, you don't use synethic oil to break-in because it won't seal as good as regular oil. Second, you need to have an oil change ASAP after a break-in because of the particles in the filters and oil. Third, varying speed won't do the trick because you need at least 3K RPM to seal the rings. So what is BMW trying to do?
1. Cover themselves legal.
2. Ensure that owners don't screw anything up for the first 1200 miles. Extend the probability of something not breaking down sooner.
3. Let owners have the fun by being magnets for wanna-be racers.
In my opinion, BMW already "BROKE-IN" your engine (by way of testing) before it was matched to the car chassis. For some of us who bought the car at 40 Odometer, it was broken-in by customers testing or at the distribution center.
I'm laying in bed one night, reflecting all the information I have read about break-in process for new motors. Then I remember BMW's advice and here's what I have came up:
1. FACTS: Racing experts say to do "hard" break-ins to get the most power. Engine may not last. Street experts say to break-in moderately. Just about everyone say NOT to use synthetic oil, but regular oil.
Logic: Break-in moderately because you want the balance of power and lasting. Why does BMW put synethic oil in and tell you not to change the oil until 14K miles?
2. FACTS: Experts say that the break-in process is relatively short - about 20 miles to 100 miles.
Logic: To be liberal, lets say maximum of 500 miles for break-ins. Why does BMW say 1200 miles? Is it because the synthetic oil? Expert say not to use it; additionally, you must change the oil after break-ins.
3. FACTS: Experts say that 2K RPM will not help seal the rings. You must do at least 3K RPM. Varying RPM is advised.
Logic: BMW says to vary speed (maybe RPM too). City driving - that makes sense if you can put above 2.5K RPM. Highway driving? Varying from 55 mph to 85 mph will attract lots of wanna-be racers - one minute you pass them, the other minute you slow down. Additionally, you would have to shift to vary over 1K RPM difference (2k to 3.5K)
Conclusion:
BMW's break-in process is bogus. First, you don't use synethic oil to break-in because it won't seal as good as regular oil. Second, you need to have an oil change ASAP after a break-in because of the particles in the filters and oil. Third, varying speed won't do the trick because you need at least 3K RPM to seal the rings. So what is BMW trying to do?
1. Cover themselves legal.
2. Ensure that owners don't screw anything up for the first 1200 miles. Extend the probability of something not breaking down sooner.
3. Let owners have the fun by being magnets for wanna-be racers.
In my opinion, BMW already "BROKE-IN" your engine (by way of testing) before it was matched to the car chassis. For some of us who bought the car at 40 Odometer, it was broken-in by customers testing or at the distribution center.
08-30-2005, 11:14 AM
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Have there really been any big engine difficulties with BMWs that are broken in this way? Would BMW continue to recommend such a process (they have recommended this process with synthetic oil for ages) if it turned out that the engines would say goodbye after X miles? I don't think so. I think the break-in process is safe and sound, but again, I think you'd have to be a bit reckless to do something very wrong in the break-in period. In the end, I would guess you overall driving style would determine the lifespan of the engine and it's parts.
08-30-2005, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Bimmer32' date='Aug 30 2005, 01:49 PM
This topic assumes that you know about correct engine break-ins.
I'm laying in bed one night, reflecting all the information I have read about break-in process for new motors. Then I remember BMW's advice and here's what I have came up:
1. FACTS: Racing experts say to do "hard" break-ins to get the most power. Engine may not last. Street experts say to break-in moderately. Just about everyone say NOT to use synthetic oil, but regular oil.
Logic: Break-in moderately because you want the balance of power and lasting. Why does BMW put synethic oil in and tell you not to change the oil until 14K miles?
2. FACTS: Experts say that the break-in process is relatively short - about 20 miles to 100 miles.
Logic: To be liberal, lets say maximum of 500 miles for break-ins. Why does BMW say 1200 miles? Is it because the synthetic oil? Expert say not to use it; additionally, you must change the oil after break-ins.
3. FACTS: Experts say that 2K RPM will not help seal the rings. You must do at least 3K RPM. Varying RPM is advised.
Logic: BMW says to vary speed (maybe RPM too). City driving -? that makes sense if you can put above 2.5K RPM. Highway driving? Varying from 55 mph to 85 mph will attract lots of wanna-be racers - one minute you pass them, the other minute you slow down. Additionally, you would have to shift to vary over 1K RPM difference (2k to 3.5K)
Conclusion:
BMW's break-in process is bogus. First, you don't use synethic oil to break-in because it won't seal as good as regular oil. Second, you need to have an oil change ASAP after a break-in because of the particles in the filters and oil. Third, varying speed won't do the trick because you need at least 3K RPM to seal the rings. So what is BMW trying to do?
1. Cover themselves legal.
2. Ensure that owners don't screw anything up for the first 1200 miles. Extend the probability of something not breaking down sooner.
3. Let owners have the fun by being magnets for wanna-be racers.
In my opinion, BMW already "BROKE-IN" your engine (by way of testing) before it was matched to the car chassis. For some of us who bought the car at 40 Odometer, it was broken-in by customers testing or at the distribution center.
I'm laying in bed one night, reflecting all the information I have read about break-in process for new motors. Then I remember BMW's advice and here's what I have came up:
1. FACTS: Racing experts say to do "hard" break-ins to get the most power. Engine may not last. Street experts say to break-in moderately. Just about everyone say NOT to use synthetic oil, but regular oil.
Logic: Break-in moderately because you want the balance of power and lasting. Why does BMW put synethic oil in and tell you not to change the oil until 14K miles?
2. FACTS: Experts say that the break-in process is relatively short - about 20 miles to 100 miles.
Logic: To be liberal, lets say maximum of 500 miles for break-ins. Why does BMW say 1200 miles? Is it because the synthetic oil? Expert say not to use it; additionally, you must change the oil after break-ins.
3. FACTS: Experts say that 2K RPM will not help seal the rings. You must do at least 3K RPM. Varying RPM is advised.
Logic: BMW says to vary speed (maybe RPM too). City driving -? that makes sense if you can put above 2.5K RPM. Highway driving? Varying from 55 mph to 85 mph will attract lots of wanna-be racers - one minute you pass them, the other minute you slow down. Additionally, you would have to shift to vary over 1K RPM difference (2k to 3.5K)
Conclusion:
BMW's break-in process is bogus. First, you don't use synethic oil to break-in because it won't seal as good as regular oil. Second, you need to have an oil change ASAP after a break-in because of the particles in the filters and oil. Third, varying speed won't do the trick because you need at least 3K RPM to seal the rings. So what is BMW trying to do?
1. Cover themselves legal.
2. Ensure that owners don't screw anything up for the first 1200 miles. Extend the probability of something not breaking down sooner.
3. Let owners have the fun by being magnets for wanna-be racers.
In my opinion, BMW already "BROKE-IN" your engine (by way of testing) before it was matched to the car chassis. For some of us who bought the car at 40 Odometer, it was broken-in by customers testing or at the distribution center.
[snapback]165188[/snapback]
cheers
vern
08-30-2005, 11:24 AM
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Why risk the possibility of shortening component life? It's only for a few miles, so just do it. You'll have several 100K more to thrash it.
08-30-2005, 11:25 AM
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I'm not saying who's right here but I have a problem with the term "experts." Who's to say who's an expert and who's to say who's not an expert?
Wouldn't BMW be the "experts" on their own engines? Who are the experts that Bimmer32 is quoting?
You can break the car in any way you choose. In my case I choose to follow the recommendations of BMW since I feel they are the most qualified to decide what's best for the car they designed and built.
Wouldn't BMW be the "experts" on their own engines? Who are the experts that Bimmer32 is quoting?
You can break the car in any way you choose. In my case I choose to follow the recommendations of BMW since I feel they are the most qualified to decide what's best for the car they designed and built.
08-30-2005, 11:28 AM
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I agree that the break-in is probably done prior to the engine being matched to the car - Also - the average person (read non enthusiast) is not going to follow any sort of break in period. I'm on my 6th BMW and have never had any sort of an engine, seal, or transmission problem prior to 100,000 miles. I must say I have not followed the break in and have usually purchased the car I test drove, which was certainly not babied!
08-30-2005, 11:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Green-Crayon' date='Aug 30 2005, 01:28 PM
I agree that the break-in is probably done prior to the engine being matched to the car - Also - the average person (read non enthusiast) is not going to follow any sort of break in period.? I'm on my 6th BMW and have never had any sort of an engine, seal, or transmission problem prior to 100,000 miles.? I must say I have not followed the break in and have usually purchased the car I test drove, which was certainly not babied!
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08-30-2005, 11:49 AM
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I'm not even certain that BMW recommends a break-in period on the e60. My dealer said that BMW no longer recommends it. Can anyone point to a document / manual item from BMW that specifies a recommended break-in period for e60s?
08-30-2005, 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by ZinMe' date='Aug 30 2005, 01:49 PM
I'm not even certain that BMW recommends a break-in period on the e60.? My dealer said that BMW no longer recommends it.? Can anyone point to a document / manual item from BMW that specifies a recommended break-in period for e60s?
[snapback]165220[/snapback]
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. To ensure that your vehicle continues
to provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the following
section.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
You should attempt to vary both engine and
vehicle speeds. Until the break-in period has
been completed, you should also refrain from
exceeding an engine speed of 4,500 rpm or a
driving speed of 100 mph/160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode during these
initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/2000 km, the
engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
08-30-2005, 11:58 AM
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watso ever... my BMW guys said for the brake-in vary the rpms and as diesel do not go over 3000rpm and he said that I can do the 200km/h the next day - I got it w 002kms- then avoiding big brakes will be advised also.
Took the car now on a 4200kms trip at 900kms I felt the car awaking up at 1500kms I tried the Sport mode in Steptronic and then rev it up to even 4000 rpm, and now it flies went over 222km/h as the traffic damn-did not allowed more but beated all the cars except one porsche
Mine is a DEcreased performance one -10bhp less for the reg tax here is HIGH, but then it will be remapped to 250bhp , but even w 210bhp reduced by BMW Factory it flies like an angel (inside )
E60
Took the car now on a 4200kms trip at 900kms I felt the car awaking up at 1500kms I tried the Sport mode in Steptronic and then rev it up to even 4000 rpm, and now it flies went over 222km/h as the traffic damn-did not allowed more but beated all the cars except one porsche
Mine is a DEcreased performance one -10bhp less for the reg tax here is HIGH, but then it will be remapped to 250bhp , but even w 210bhp reduced by BMW Factory it flies like an angel (inside
) E60