Hey guys. I am new to this forum. I just received my new JCW R56 the other day and absolutely loving it! I replaced it from a Polo GTI 1.4 6R. I had the worst luck with that car so wanted to get something meaner and more reliable. I just wanted to know if its bad to drive "hard" with a brand new car? The dealer told me that they are designed to "go straight out of the box"?

 

It ain't true unless we see pics !

Congrats.... have one of those little beasts coming soon myself.

 

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Hey CR&PW&JB. What colour did you choose? I don't know what car you had previously but this will keep you smiling!

 

Congrats on your new JCW - you're gonna love it. We're waiting for some pix.

You'll find two schools of thought about break-in:

1> Read the Owner's Manual, and follow the instructions given, which are essentially to baby the car for the first 1,200 miles.

2> Drive it like you stole it, albeit carefully.


I've done both, but for my new JCW R55, this time around I went with option B. Enjoy!

 

Hey Charlie, Thanks for the post! As i am new i think it takes a little longer to get my pictures approved by the admin team. I have tried uploading some pics let me know if you can see them. I have been going with option 2 quite a bit From your experience does the sport button do much apart improve the response and tighten the steering wheel? [IMG][/IMG]

 

In addition to the proper BMW/MINI break-in process (below), if I planned to keep the car beyond 100K miles, I would add the following :
1). replace engine oil after 1,200 mile break-in period
2). replace tranny fluid after 1,200 mile break-in period

BMW mandates the above on all ///M cars, but neglects regular bimmers and MINIs.

======================
Official MINI Break-in period
======================
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to each other. Please follow the instructions below in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.

Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed the following:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually increased.

Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not achieve their full traction potential until after an initial break-in period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the first 200 miles/300 km.

Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized contact and wear patterns between brake pads and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in period.

Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal level only after a distance driven of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, engage the clutch gently.

http://libraryofmotoring.info/pdf/ma...topclubman.pdf

a

 

I agree whole heartedly, and do something similar on mine.

As for the Sport Button, I have to admit that I haven't used it yet on mine! Thought I'd at least follow that part of the MINI break-in routine. What it should do for you is tighten up the steering feel, make the throttle more responsive, and give the exhaust pop when you let off the throttle.

 

Regarding the Sport Button, I find the throttle tip in very lazy without it on.

 

To me, it's a placebo button.
But I press it anyway ;-)

a

 

Hey guys, thanks for all your advice.. Regarding the sport button. I tried it properly yesterday. As you said, it tightens the steering, exhaust note pops on releasing the accelerator and makes the throttle more responsive. As Indawin said, its true i much prefer it with the sport button on the whole time. When turned off i find it slightly lazy... Is it me or does anyone find the gearbox quite loose sometimes? The dealer gave me a cooper s coupe for the weekend until my car was ready. Changing gear was satisfying and stiff throughout. I dont get the same feeling with the jcw. Maybe its meant to be like this?