[Alext]

At what point have you found your engine to feel more free revving? Depending on the brand of car, people often say between 5000-10000 miles.

[SilverII]

i felt more broken in at 3000 miles...

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Alext

At what point have you found your engine to feel more free revving? Depending on the brand of car, people often say between 5000-10000 miles.

Interesting topic, as from experience of myself and others, I'd say it 'can be' even more, 15k miles and upwards.

Certainly the case with a lot of our modern diesel engines here in the UK, well past 10k seems to be the experience of many.

I've had the experinece of needing a new engine in my BMW 540i at 65k miles. The new engine never got to being the same as the original, even after the next 20k miles. Always felt as if it was tight, compared with the original engine from 35 - 65k miles.

I remember an experinced motoring hack writing an article in one of the UK's motor mags', suggesting that it we didn't keep our cars long enough, we may never see the full potential of the engine, the next owner would. In his opinion a lot of quality motors, used in day to day conditions, need up to 35k miles to get to peak efficiency. I think there is some truth in that, due to the much finer tolerances engines are built to these days and how synthetic oils slow down the wear rate, and/or 'freeing up' process.

Certainty interested in what others find. There can be exceptions, I've come across that as well. The 'tolerance stack' of the engine build has a big part to play.

HighlandPete

[renaultf1]

I have a little over 3000 miles on mine now and the motor keeps getting better. I drove to the mountains over New Years to go skiing and remember thinking how lovely the NA inline 6 is - it just feels effortless and smooth.

[Michael Schott]

I have 2200 miles on my 2011 and after a careful break in the engine has a ways to go before being as free revving as it can be. It strains a bit at over 6000 rpm right now.

[jaybird124]

Originally Posted by Alext

At what point have you found your engine to feel more free revving? Depending on the brand of car, people often say between 5000-10000 miles.

Usually after 3-4 drinks.

[roundle]

I swear that my N52 felt really "tight" between 0 and 6K miles. By 8K, it started to feel "broken in". I suppose it could be placebo--I had my first oil change at 7500 miles...

My 6MT was very tight ("crunchy" when cold, "notchy" when warm) the first 2K miles. At 10K, it's now like butter.

Somewhat related: If you review BMW long-term tests (e.g. Car & Driver), you may notice that many BMWs are "faster" (0-60, 1/4 mile) at 40K than when they were new.

[Alext]

Very interesting - thanks!

[ciomas]

Ive got 18k on the clock and I feel it wasnt that long ago..

[John 070]

The day it gets traded in for a Porsche