I just picked up my 2013 S hardtop BRG II, manual today. Loving it.

My question is, can I drive it in the mountains (approximately 7000 feet) during the engine break-in period without causing any damage? My wife and I will be heading up to Running Springs in the San Bernadino Mountains next month and we'd love to take the MINI.

Thanks. And happy motoring.

Ted.

 

From what I have learned about breaking in an engine the very first few miles are the most important. There are many different thoughts on this subject. Vary your rpms and drive it like you normally would. Have some fun you have a Mini now. Your trip sounds like a blast no problem.

 

I came from the motorcycling world and this is a huge debate. There was an article that experimented with a hard break-in (On the track or on a dyno or super agressive driving) and a manual break in. Turned out neither did damage to the cylinder/piston/enging but the hard break-in actually created a better seal. It had a pretty solid explanation to the why's and how's. The only argument to the hard break in was that we were 'told' to by the manual.

Give it a google and make your call!

 

I agree with Mini & Ta87, I to came from the world of 2 wheels and I might add, don't lug your engine and don't let it get especially hot during break in and also do yourself and your engine a favor and change your oil to early to flush assembly and break in particles.
So how far is Running Springs from Big Bear or Sugar Loaf?
Snow season is coming.

 

FYI: SCMM is having a Mt. Palomar twisty run on the 20th. Lots of Mini's and good folks; might want to check it out on the SoCal Mini Maniacs' board...

 

I live in Colorado and had no choice in breaking in at altitude (7000 to 9000 feet +) and I have had no problems

 

Thanks all for the information.

I will check out the MINI events coming up.

And HarleyFLTR, it's been years since I've been there but I believe Running Springs is about 20 minutes before getting into Big Bear proper on the same stretch of road.

Ted.

 

What does the Owners Manual indicate?

 

Nothing in the owner's manual either way.

 

The owner's manual recommends keeping the revs down for a while. I forget how many miles they said, but I stuck to that. And varied the revs and loads a lot during that period, and made sure to do a good bit of compression braking (coasting in gear) to pull a high vacuum in the manifold. Discussions with owners of "other cars" led me to think that might help some with break-in.

 

Owner's manual says 1,200 mi / 2,000 km.

Since I live around 6,000 ft, there's not much I can do about altitude. When mine comes in later this month I plan to avoid high RPMs, vary the revs, and not push the engine very hard.

 

Under 95 or 4K, don't lug or run at a constant speed for a long period of time.

A fine drive up to BB or Running Springs will be just great after the 1st 200 miles.

Or if your like me on my 07 and my 11 CM, after the first 50, then let her rip.

Don

 

Honestly, these days the notion of breaking in a new engine is not rocket science. Manufacturing tolerances on modern engines are so tight that the days of excessively long/complex break-in procedures are over.

Just follow the owner's manual, keep it simple, and don't read too much into it.