I am getting a new Countryman S. Are there limits on the early driving? I.e., limits on distances or speeds that are recommended for the initial period on the engine? It is automatic.

 

Keep it under 4500 rpm and vary your speeds for the first 1200 miles. Then let'r rip. That's the factory recommended break-in, I believe. Maybe it's 1400 miles. Can't remember.

 

You're correct, wandrur: Under 4500 for 1200.

Just looked that up myself in prep for my new one. I wasn't so careful with this one...

 

Varying the speed is easy. The 4500 is going to be hard. And for 1200 miles too. Now that's crazy talk.

 

My personal opinion is below 5000 for 500mi. That's been my practice for all high-performance V8s, etc.

Remember to change the oil and replace the drain plug with a magnetic one after the first 500 or 1000 if you're worried about tolerance shavings, etc.

 

I go along with the schedule, but I'm fairly skeptical of the importance of break-ins.

Almost every time I've ever taken a test drive, it's in some car with <100 miles on the odometer, with some salesman sitting next to me encouraging me to have a little more fun with it than a break-in would allow, and I'm sure most vehicles do fine regardless.

 

With modern vehicles and such tight manufacturing tolerances, it's certainly not like the old days!

I baby my V8s during break in more - I guess I trust them less to be perfectly built.

 

Just picked up our "little miss" 2 weeks ago and we were told nothing over 6500 for 1200 miles and no cruise control. We are trying hard My husband and I are different drivers so I know that going different speeds is no problem.

This is so much fun! Jamie & Doug

 

Very cool car! Saw a similar one at Mini of STL the other day - LOVE the stripe contrast.

Certainly nothing over 6500 for the first 500-1000 - that's 100% true for the piston seals to seat, etc.

 

Thanks!! My husband says that she is "neat but not gaudy"