What are the break-in rules on new BMW's?

This information is clearly laid out in your Owner's Manual, but the basic restrictions, for the first 1200 miles are:

1) Do not exceed 4500 RPM
2) Do not exceed 100 mph
3) Change speed often
4) Avoid hard braking

Varying your engine speed and avoiding hard braking are especially important during the break-in period.


If you have any additions or comments please post them below for other forum members and web site visitors to read.

whats different about running in diesel cars. I believe these instructions are for petrol cars as the 4500 rpm limit seems a bit highish for a diesel. But how can I not drive at a constant speed when I have 2000km of autobahn driving after I pick up my car in Germany?! how often does the engine speed need to be changed and by how much?

advice much appreciated

My experience has been that runs of as much as 100 miles on cruise at a relativley constant engine speed can lead to using oil, even when the compression ratios are excellent. Mine does not use oil. I cruised the highways, but never with cruise control. I kept accelerating mildly when I could wo annoying traffic running along with me. I would also coast in gear so I could accelerate again. I don't think this cycling needs to range more than 15 mph. There is nothing technical in this advice. It's just what has worked for me for both of my Bimmers.

Maybe a silly question, but if you were hard on the brakes during break-in, what would be the result? Just premature failure of the brakes....anything else?

As far as I understand more chance on grooving your brakediscs and so giving premature brake failure..

One should also avoid using the vehicle's kick-down mode during the break-in period.

Gently............Slowly but surely! :devil:

Don't drag race anyone until after the 1st 2400 miles. :whistle:

What happens to a bimmer that goes 120 mph for a seconds and rpm over 4500 rpm a few times before the first 1000 miles? Will this really affect the engine and/or transmission? :help:

Nothing happens.
They even test the engines in the factory before delivery... That means redline!
It is just better to follow the rules, but you will not damage the engine if you don't do it.

What is vehicle's kick-down mode ?

thanks