As I await the arrival of my mini, I was wondering if I could get some suggestions on what to do and not do during the break in period. I've never owned a brand new car!! How long is the break in period?:impatient

 

1200 miles. 4500 RPM & 100 MPH is what is stated in my owner's manual. My MA told me 90 MPH, but I haven't approached either. I did push the RPMs by mistake a couple of times (bad shifting on my part). I did the same thing on my wife's new MC. Haven't owned a stick in about 15 years.

 

I've been at various automotive BB's (or forums) and have seen debates on the break-in period.

Some absolutely (obsessively) believe in a mild break-in, whereas others say it's actually better to flog a new car...
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Here's a middle of the road perspective:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/colum...tember/02.html

With my cars, I've used something between babying and full-throttle. i.e. I haven't red-lined, but have gone well past the recommended RPM range. (Too impatient!)

Edit: I might also add that my SA at bmw says he's seen test-drive and loaner cars (i.e. driven hard w/o break-in) for the past 15 years, and he seems to think they actually have better longevity and power.

 

Have you received a production number yet? If so, you can go into the owners lounge and download a copy of the owner's manual. That will give you a lot of information while you're waiting.

I followed the manufacturer's recommendations on the break-in. My MC doesn't seem any worse for not following the more aggressive break-ins others have suggested.