[09_335i_Guy]

Hello all...

Recently traded in a 06 325i on a 2009 335i sedan. Was hoping that I could get some insight into how to best break her in and also what, if anything, there is to look out for or pay attention too as this is my first vehicle with a turbo, let alone 2.

For instance, I haven't picked up the car yet or read the owners manual, but should I let the engine/turbo's warm before I drive at all? Things like this are whats going through my head. Any thoughts would be appreciated, and thanks.

-Dennis

[Mk23]

A lot of people say the best way to warm your engine is to drive under 3k RPMs for the first 8 to 10 mins until your oil temp gets to normal levels (around 220 to 240).

As far as the break-in, that is going to be controversial, some say a hard break in, some say follow the manual. I personally say follow the manual, keep it under 100mph, under 4500 RPMs until 1200 miles. Some people get their oil changed after you hit 1200, I did. Also, no hard cornering or hard breaking until 200 miles.

[09_335i_Guy]

Yeah, I did a search for "break in period" and quickly saw the controversial nature of the topic. I will stick to what the manual says. Thanks also for the turbo advice.

[3er858]

For my '09 I kept it under 5500 RPMs for the first 900 miles and then under 6000 for the last hundred or so varying RPM as often as possible. I also would down shift through the gears when comming to a stop instead of just letting it coast to a stop. On a side note, my second gear was very "notchy" for the first 1000 miles. I have about 1300 on her now and it's feeling much better now. I'm planning an oil change at 1500 miles. Good luck with your new car!

[PNF]

I just picked up an 08 about 3 weeks ago~ and I have been keeping it under 3K RPM, although a G37 did get under my nerve and I hit almost 4K RPM once so far....

I'm at 560 miles now, and going to continute keeping my car under 3K RPM until I hit 1200 miles.

I do go fast in my car though, to about 80 mph.. (but at slow acceleration and at 80mph, RPM is only around 2300-2400.


In the morning, (and getting cold right here in philly), I dont o over 2K at all for the first 5-7 minutes until the engine warms up, which is about the time I hit the ramp to highway.



This is also my first any-turbo car.. so, just keeping her steady for now, especially when I am going to keep this car for 5-7 years until the next gen 335 (or whichever 335/340/350i comes out).

[GAaaAR]

I just drive below 4.5K rpm. However its good to let your car rev to all ranges throughout the break in period. So what I do is try to rev as freely as i can using the paddles but never pass 4.5K rpm.

[pilipnoi]

I just hit about 1000 miles on my '09. I kept it under 4k rpm the entire time and never really did any fast accelerating until just recently.

[bsd107]

I'm following the break-in routine detailed in the manual. It is long and frustrating, but why not listen to the engineers who built the car and wrote the manual? I also plan to get an oil and filter change at 1200-1500 miles.

It is hard sometimes to keep within the criteria. With only 120 miles on the car I accidentally downshifted to about 5000 rpm (Steptronic in D mode) as I pulled out onto a road and the car didn't accelerate like I was expecting. Once the car is broken in I'll see what this engine can do, but without question it does not have the low-end acceleration (i.e. below 3000rpm) that my E39 540iA Sport did. I can certainly feel the turbos kicking in at above 2000rpm, although again I'm not pushing the car, as I plan on keeping it for a long time....

[nicknaz]

OP, you definitely want to warm up the engine oil fully (by driving gently, not idling) before driving hard (ie using boost or revving up the motor). I don't think there is anything controversial about warm-up

FWIW, motorcycle manuals recommend a gentle break in as well, but many engine builders have documented better wear on the piston rings and more power using a hard break in after careful warm up

[maraud]

Originally Posted by Nick Nazareno

OP, you definitely want to warm up the engine oil fully (by driving gently, not idling) before driving hard (ie using boost or revving up the motor). I don't think there is anything controversial about warm-up

FWIW, motorcycle manuals recommend a gentle break in as well, but many engine builders have documented better wear on the piston rings and more power using a hard break in after careful warm up

I'll tell you what really cracks me up about this type of thread in general is that most folks who build HP engines (high perf, not pressure), myself included, will laud the capabilities of synthetic oil...

That being said, we always run (my bike too) dino-oil for the first few thousand as it helps the rings seat, etc, as its not as "slippery". I can personally vouch for this fact as I built up an engine about 5 years ago and it burned oil like a pig (about a quart in 2K). It had been started on synth-oil..... I drained out the amsoil, and put in normal penzoil for 3K miles and switched back. Guess what, no more burn....

I talked to some folks way smarter than I in this arena (at least anecdotally) and their take was that the extra-lube provided by the synthetics actually lead to the long break in period....

I wonder if this is why Honda (on the S2000) actually has an additive/break-in oil which is more abrasive?

[stressdoc]

I would rev higher than 4k, just take it easy when doing so. Otherwise you may foul plugs a bit. Do not use cruise control or drive at a set rpm for long. Change oil at 2k or sooner. Use quality gas.

[dhan]

I've also read that it is a great idea to use conventional oil for the break in period because the viscosity is much higher and the abrasiveness will help seat the rings more properly (like maraud said).

My cars a lease. It was sitting around the lot for a month before I picked it up. I KNOW it's been floored by test drivers (w/o warmups either)...I know because I was one of them (I didn't know I'd be getting a killer deal on the car I test drove). Anyway, my car seems and feels fine..pulls like a beast on JB3 1.1.

[92tripleblack]

Factory said keep it under 4k RPM and 100mph for the first 1000 miles but no other special concerns. Mine was broken in within 36 hours of picking it up.

[darkphantom]

basically what everyone has said. Just make sure you vary the RPMs though within that 4-5-6k range as your miles progress...