Break in period

gerrydirish · 12-14-2007, 11:48 AM

Hi all,

I hope/expect to get my new E90 328i a day or two before Xmas.

Dealer told me to take it easy for the first 100 miles to let the engine seal and then let er rip......

I wanted to drive 200 miles the day after I pick up the car to visit my Dad for Xmas. WPB to Daytona and back. He lives next to the speedway, so maybe I can take to the track as well lol. (I am NOT speed racer, but maybe that will change now lol)

Question:

Is this wise? Should I put several hundred miles on it first locally before going on the highway for that long a trip?? Just in case??????

I would love to be driving it, but is my first BMW and don't want to hurt it in any way......Have heard of some fuel pump issues. I realize these are in the minority, but better safe than sorry...... I still have my current car so at least I would not have to rent. But to drive an accord with a BMW in the driveway may be more than I can take lol

Last two cars have been Accords (95 lx mt and 01 ex auto) and I would drive them around the world at a moment's notice. Very reliable.

Thanks and happy holidays to all!

japac1 · 12-14-2007, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerrydirish

Hi all,

I hope/expect to get my new E90 328i a day or two before Xmas.

Dealer told me to take it easy for the first 100 miles to let the engine seal and then let er rip......

I wanted to drive 200 miles the day after I pick up the car to visit my Dad for Xmas. WPB to Daytona and back. He lives next to the speedway, so maybe I can take to the track as well lol. (I am NOT speed racer, but maybe that will change now lol)

Question:

Is this wise? Should I put several hundred miles on it first locally before going on the highway for that long a trip?? Just in case??????

I would love to be driving it, but is my first BMW and don't want to hurt it in any way......Have heard of some fuel pump issues. I realize these are in the minority, but better safe than sorry...... I still have my current car so at least I would not have to rent. But to drive an accord with a BMW in the driveway may be more than I can take lol

Last two cars have been Accords (95 lx mt and 01 ex auto) and I would drive them around the world at a moment's notice. Very reliable.

Thanks and happy holidays to all!

That drive is fine. We drove my wife's 328 from S. Carolina to Baltimore from the Performance Center. It's probably a great break in opportunity, mixing it up with different highway speeds, etc. Don't worry about the fuel pump. you're right: you'd be in the minority. Have fun, congrats on your car!!

normtrum · 12-14-2007, 12:04 PM

It's ok to drive it right out of the box like this....you just need to vary your speeds during your trip. Just don't hit the freeway and set the cruise, and sit back for 400 miles. Vary your speeds/rpms, which will help to set your seals properly.

F32Fleet · 12-14-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerrydirish

Hi all,

I hope/expect to get my new E90 328i a day or two before Xmas.

Dealer told me to take it easy for the first 100 miles to let the engine seal and then let er rip......

I wanted to drive 200 miles the day after I pick up the car to visit my Dad for Xmas. WPB to Daytona and back. He lives next to the speedway, so maybe I can take to the track as well lol. (I am NOT speed racer, but maybe that will change now lol)

Question:

Is this wise? Should I put several hundred miles on it first locally before going on the highway for that long a trip?? Just in case??????

I would love to be driving it, but is my first BMW and don't want to hurt it in any way......Have heard of some fuel pump issues. I realize these are in the minority, but better safe than sorry...... I still have my current car so at least I would not have to rent. But to drive an accord with a BMW in the driveway may be more than I can take lol

Last two cars have been Accords (95 lx mt and 01 ex auto) and I would drive them around the world at a moment's notice. Very reliable.

Thanks and happy holidays to all!

At risk of beating a dead horse, do a search of the forum. Fuel pump issues are for the 335 not the 328. As for break-in http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm This occurs within the first 25 miles (ie, before your trip).

IMO, the worst way to beak-in a new engine is a long hwy trip on cruise control at a constant speed..

musv · 12-14-2007, 12:05 PM

go ahead and take it. if you have a manual transmission, just downshift and keep it in 5th on the highway every 10 to 15 minutes, and dont use cruise. if you have auto, try and vary your speed. Basically you just dont want to hold at one constant speed or RPM for extended periods of time. You should be totally fine to take it on a trip though. lots of people who do PD and ED take brand new cars on long trips after delivery, and theirs are fine.

Most importantly, enjoy it!!

e92phreak · 12-14-2007, 12:29 PM

It's funny... you ask different dealers and they all tell you something different. Some dealers will say that the engines are already broken through so you can drive it hard. Some will tell you the standard 1400 or so miles (or was it 1200 LOL.. .don't remember).

Just don't be red-lining the thing for long periods of time. In your 400 mile trip, take it easy but once in awhile, have fun with it.

e92phreak · 12-14-2007, 12:29 PM

I had no choice but to put 300 miles on my car the first day because I bought the car 150 miles away, had to drive it back, and take my wife out for the night because it was her birthday LOL...

musv · 12-14-2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92phreak

I had no choice but to put 300 miles on my car the first day because I bought the car 150 miles away, had to drive it back, and take my wife out for the night because it was her birthday LOL...

Sorry about the off topic questions, but does that mean that for HER birthday YOU got a new BMW?? I like how that works!!

rrandyy · 12-14-2007, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92phreak

I had no choice but to put 300 miles on my car the first day because I bought the car 150 miles away, had to drive it back, and take my wife out for the night because it was her birthday LOL...

If you bought the car 150 miles away, how did you put on the other 150 miles? Long drive for your wife's dinner?

DrGP · 12-14-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by normtrum

It's ok to drive it right out of the box like this....you just need to vary your speeds during your trip. Just don't hit the freeway and set the cruise, and sit back for 400 miles. Vary your speeds/rpms, which will help to set your seals properly.

I agree totally, BUT I would ocasionally take the car up to redline during the drive and let it engine brake back to cruising RPMs . Do this by varying the gears and short bursts of accelleration.

e92phreak · 12-14-2007, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musv

Sorry about the off topic questions, but does that mean that for HER birthday YOU got a new BMW?? I like how that works!!

LOL... sounds like it huh?

Took her to see the show Wicked. So that in itself was a treat for her. I asked if she wanted to drive it that day, and she didn't want to.

e92phreak · 12-14-2007, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrandyy

If you bought the car 150 miles away, how did you put on the other 150 miles? Long drive for your wife's dinner?

Bakersfield, CA to Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley, CA to West LA, CA
West LA, CA to downtown LA, CA
downtown LA, CA to Simi Valley, CA

Lots of miles.

Simi Valley to anywhere in SoCal is 50+ miles LOL...

GregL · 12-14-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92phreak

It's funny... you ask different dealers and they all tell you something different. Some dealers will say that the engines are already broken through so you can drive it hard. Some will tell you the standard 1400 or so miles (or was it 1200 LOL.. .don't remember).

Just don't be red-lining the thing for long periods of time. In your 400 mile trip, take it easy but once in awhile, have fun with it.

I agree. With a new car I drive it the way I'd normally drive, I'm not that aggressive with the pedal and in Toronto there is zero opportunity to use the cruise control so it all works out well.

Daas · 12-14-2007, 04:47 PM

I picked up my car at the BMW Perf. Center in South Calorina and drove it to Jax, Florida. No problems! Most of the driving was on the highway, so I took some exits and drove around a bit.

e92phreak · 12-14-2007, 04:49 PM

Do it! 400 miles???

You will ENJOY the drive.

Don't worry about the fuel pump. Since your car is an 08, I've only heard of 1 08 fuel pump going. As for prior to 08, not really in the minority. Many people who I personally know have had their fuel pumps fail. Mine failed this past Monday.

e92phreak · 12-14-2007, 04:51 PM

Also, you state that your dad lives near the speedway and that maybe you'll bring it to the track...

Hmmm... now that one, I probably wouldn't do. I drove my car hard at the track and I lost half my brake life in less than 40 laps LOL... I would do the 400 mile drive, drive easy, but have a little fun at times. But not the track, yet.

vaportech · 12-14-2007, 07:01 PM

Picking up my car next Thursday at Port Hueneme in Oxnard. I plan on having a great trip back to the SF Bay Area. I plan on purposefully exiting and reentering the freeway several times just so I can floor it from a slow roll. Have fun with your car, I hope you didn't spend all that money just to cruise in her.

gerrydirish · 12-14-2007, 09:24 PM

All,

Thanks much for all the responses, warnings, anecdotes, and opinions!

1. Understood to vary speeds and not to redline too much.

2. Understood to vary the steptronic modes/gears. I will drift off a couple exits for a bit to vary........For once I will NOT be in a rush to get home...

3. No, I did NOT get just to cruise the highway. lol. I want to actually DRIVE the car and I95 is not really the place for it. Plus, a straight highway has no interest for me!

4. I was only joking about the track. My dad does live 1/2 mile away, but was only kidding about bringing it to the track, especially it being so new.

It is more than possible that if I get the car the day before that it will have 500 miles on it even before the trip, because I will be going everywhere with it and might not sleep for a day or two!

I can really drive distance if I want to, and regularly drive to NJ about 1300 miles each way....

Good luck to all and many thanks for the congrats!

I am really looking forward to owning this car and having FUN with it!!!!!!!

12-14-2007, 11:48 AM	#1
gerrydirish Enlisted Member 1 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2008 328i Jet Black/Black Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South FL iTrader: (0)	Break in period - use 400 mile trip? Hi all, I hope/expect to get my new E90 328i a day or two before Xmas. Dealer told me to take it easy for the first 100 miles to let the engine seal and then let er rip...... I wanted to drive 200 miles the day after I pick up the car to visit my Dad for Xmas. WPB to Daytona and back. He lives next to the speedway, so maybe I can take to the track as well lol. (I am NOT speed racer, but maybe that will change now lol) Question: Is this wise? Should I put several hundred miles on it first locally before going on the highway for that long a trip?? Just in case?????? I would love to be driving it, but is my first BMW and don't want to hurt it in any way......Have heard of some fuel pump issues. I realize these are in the minority, but better safe than sorry...... I still have my current car so at least I would not have to rent. But to drive an accord with a BMW in the driveway may be more than I can take lol Last two cars have been Accords (95 lx mt and 01 ex auto) and I would drive them around the world at a moment's notice. Very reliable. Thanks and happy holidays to all!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-14-2007, 12:04 PM	#3
normtrum Colonel 52 Rep 2,225 Posts Drives: e90 335i, e46 330i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: PNW iTrader: (1)	It's ok to drive it right out of the box like this....you just need to vary your speeds during your trip. Just don't hit the freeway and set the cruise, and sit back for 400 miles. Vary your speeds/rpms, which will help to set your seals properly. __________________ 07 335i sedan \| Steptronic \| Black saphire \| Terra \| ZPP \| ZSP \| Cold Weather \| CA \| PDC \| Nav \| OEM Alarm
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2007, 12:05 PM	#5
musv Private 0 Rep 91 Posts Drives: 2008 e90 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	go ahead and take it. if you have a manual transmission, just downshift and keep it in 5th on the highway every 10 to 15 minutes, and dont use cruise. if you have auto, try and vary your speed. Basically you just dont want to hold at one constant speed or RPM for extended periods of time. You should be totally fine to take it on a trip though. lots of people who do PD and ED take brand new cars on long trips after delivery, and theirs are fine. Most importantly, enjoy it!! __________________ 335i Sedan, Montego Blue, Terra Interior, AL Trim, Premium Package, Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Navigation, Comfort Access System. Ordered: Aug 18, 2007 Born: Sept 24, 2007 Delivered: Oct 25, 2007
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2007, 12:29 PM	#6
e92phreak General 384 Rep 21,747 Posts Drives: E92 335i TiAg/E46 323i TiAg Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [9.50] 2000 E46 323i [0.00]	It's funny... you ask different dealers and they all tell you something different. Some dealers will say that the engines are already broken through so you can drive it hard. Some will tell you the standard 1400 or so miles (or was it 1200 LOL.. .don't remember). Just don't be red-lining the thing for long periods of time. In your 400 mile trip, take it easy but once in awhile, have fun with it. __________________ 07 E92 335i \| TiAg \| Step \| Padl \| Cmft \| Alum Trm \| PDC \| Nav \| Assist \| Sat \| Lthr \| Prem \| Sprt \| Rear Splr \| RDSport Quads \| iPod \| V1 \| LT Refl \| VS Clear Bra \| OEM Lip \| KWV2 \| Mtec Sides \| BBS LM-R 00 E46 323i \| TiAg \| 5sp \| Sport \| Roof \| RDSport Cams \| RDSport tune \| RDSport Shift \| Volk LE37 \| M3 spoiler \| PSS9 \| SuperSprint \| Brembo
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2007, 12:29 PM	#7
e92phreak General 384 Rep 21,747 Posts Drives: E92 335i TiAg/E46 323i TiAg Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [9.50] 2000 E46 323i [0.00]	I had no choice but to put 300 miles on my car the first day because I bought the car 150 miles away, had to drive it back, and take my wife out for the night because it was her birthday LOL... __________________ 07 E92 335i \| TiAg \| Step \| Padl \| Cmft \| Alum Trm \| PDC \| Nav \| Assist \| Sat \| Lthr \| Prem \| Sprt \| Rear Splr \| RDSport Quads \| iPod \| V1 \| LT Refl \| VS Clear Bra \| OEM Lip \| KWV2 \| Mtec Sides \| BBS LM-R 00 E46 323i \| TiAg \| 5sp \| Sport \| Roof \| RDSport Cams \| RDSport tune \| RDSport Shift \| Volk LE37 \| M3 spoiler \| PSS9 \| SuperSprint \| Brembo
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2007, 04:47 PM	#14
Daas Second Lieutenant 55 Rep 268 Posts Drives: A British car Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I picked up my car at the BMW Perf. Center in South Calorina and drove it to Jax, Florida. No problems! Most of the driving was on the highway, so I took some exits and drove around a bit. __________________ Previous 2018 M3, 2015 F36 428i GC; 2007 E92 335i; 2002 E46 325i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2007, 04:49 PM	#15
e92phreak General 384 Rep 21,747 Posts Drives: E92 335i TiAg/E46 323i TiAg Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [9.50] 2000 E46 323i [0.00]	Do it! 400 miles??? You will ENJOY the drive. Don't worry about the fuel pump. Since your car is an 08, I've only heard of 1 08 fuel pump going. As for prior to 08, not really in the minority. Many people who I personally know have had their fuel pumps fail. Mine failed this past Monday. __________________ 07 E92 335i \| TiAg \| Step \| Padl \| Cmft \| Alum Trm \| PDC \| Nav \| Assist \| Sat \| Lthr \| Prem \| Sprt \| Rear Splr \| RDSport Quads \| iPod \| V1 \| LT Refl \| VS Clear Bra \| OEM Lip \| KWV2 \| Mtec Sides \| BBS LM-R 00 E46 323i \| TiAg \| 5sp \| Sport \| Roof \| RDSport Cams \| RDSport tune \| RDSport Shift \| Volk LE37 \| M3 spoiler \| PSS9 \| SuperSprint \| Brembo
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2007, 04:51 PM	#16
e92phreak General 384 Rep 21,747 Posts Drives: E92 335i TiAg/E46 323i TiAg Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [9.50] 2000 E46 323i [0.00]	Also, you state that your dad lives near the speedway and that maybe you'll bring it to the track... Hmmm... now that one, I probably wouldn't do. I drove my car hard at the track and I lost half my brake life in less than 40 laps LOL... I would do the 400 mile drive, drive easy, but have a little fun at times. But not the track, yet. __________________ 07 E92 335i \| TiAg \| Step \| Padl \| Cmft \| Alum Trm \| PDC \| Nav \| Assist \| Sat \| Lthr \| Prem \| Sprt \| Rear Splr \| RDSport Quads \| iPod \| V1 \| LT Refl \| VS Clear Bra \| OEM Lip \| KWV2 \| Mtec Sides \| BBS LM-R 00 E46 323i \| TiAg \| 5sp \| Sport \| Roof \| RDSport Cams \| RDSport tune \| RDSport Shift \| Volk LE37 \| M3 spoiler \| PSS9 \| SuperSprint \| Brembo
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2007, 07:01 PM	#17
vaportech Private 4 Rep 98 Posts Drives: e93 on order Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pleasanton, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 335 e93 [0.00]	Picking up my car next Thursday at Port Hueneme in Oxnard. I plan on having a great trip back to the SF Bay Area. I plan on purposefully exiting and reentering the freeway several times just so I can floor it from a slow roll. Have fun with your car, I hope you didn't spend all that money just to cruise in her. __________________ e93 Monaco Blue & Saddle. Step, ZPP, ZSP, ZCW, CA, PDC, Nav, 6FL. Woohoo, I finally have her!!!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2007, 09:24 PM	#18
gerrydirish Enlisted Member 1 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2008 328i Jet Black/Black Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South FL iTrader: (0)	All, Thanks much for all the responses, warnings, anecdotes, and opinions! 1. Understood to vary speeds and not to redline too much. 2. Understood to vary the steptronic modes/gears. I will drift off a couple exits for a bit to vary........For once I will NOT be in a rush to get home... 3. No, I did NOT get just to cruise the highway. lol. I want to actually DRIVE the car and I95 is not really the place for it. Plus, a straight highway has no interest for me! 4. I was only joking about the track. My dad does live 1/2 mile away, but was only kidding about bringing it to the track, especially it being so new. It is more than possible that if I get the car the day before that it will have 500 miles on it even before the trip, because I will be going everywhere with it and might not sleep for a day or two! I can really drive distance if I want to, and regularly drive to NJ about 1300 miles each way.... Good luck to all and many thanks for the congrats! I am really looking forward to owning this car and having FUN with it!!!!!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote