R50/53 Break in: what if you exceed 4500 rpm?
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From: Chciago
So, what if you accidentally exceed 4500 rpm during the break in period.
One of us is still learning how to drive standard shift, and jammed on the accelerator with the clutch in. As far as I can tell, the car is still driving the same. The only change seems to be that the "mileage to next service" has dropped by a few hundred miles.
Thanks,
Jack
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Chili Red MC with white highlights & bonnet stripes; red tartan interior
One of us is still learning how to drive standard shift, and jammed on the accelerator with the clutch in. As far as I can tell, the car is still driving the same. The only change seems to be that the "mileage to next service" has dropped by a few hundred miles.
Thanks,
Jack
--
Chili Red MC with white highlights & bonnet stripes; red tartan interior
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Well, I can't say for sure but until after you complete the 1,200 mile brake in requirement, make your best attempt at not revving the engine past 3K RPM. I think this is a bit more challenging specially for someone in the process of learning how to drive a stick shift properly.
We took delivery of our new MINI last week and we already have put in the car 300 miles (100 miles over the weekend to attend a MINI meet) and we have tried to keep the engine RPMs in the 3K range when accelerating from standstill or passing. It is also easier because our car has the CVT tranny so the engine RPMs are easier to control in comparison to a stick shift model.
The owner's manual recommends not to exceed 4,500 RPMs during the break in period and also discourages the use of the accelerator "Kick down" feature during this time.
Also keep in mind to drive with extra care during the first 200 miles so your tire's threads can achieve maximum traction. Brakes take about 300 miles for the pads and discs to beging to wear on an even pattern.
It pays off to make your best effort to drive your new MINI gently during its first 1,200 to ensure maximum reliability and component life.
Don't worry but like I said don't allow engine overreving to happen again, not until after the break in period has expired.
We took delivery of our new MINI last week and we already have put in the car 300 miles (100 miles over the weekend to attend a MINI meet) and we have tried to keep the engine RPMs in the 3K range when accelerating from standstill or passing. It is also easier because our car has the CVT tranny so the engine RPMs are easier to control in comparison to a stick shift model.
The owner's manual recommends not to exceed 4,500 RPMs during the break in period and also discourages the use of the accelerator "Kick down" feature during this time.
Also keep in mind to drive with extra care during the first 200 miles so your tire's threads can achieve maximum traction. Brakes take about 300 miles for the pads and discs to beging to wear on an even pattern.
It pays off to make your best effort to drive your new MINI gently during its first 1,200 to ensure maximum reliability and component life.
Don't worry but like I said don't allow engine overreving to happen again, not until after the break in period has expired.
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>>For one thing, your engine won't explode (unless it's American 
) but I would do my best to avoid it. As far as breaking it in, I never broke my Civic's engine in and it's been running great with 62k on the clock. But the next car I get, I'll definitely follow the owner's manual for break-in specs.
>>
Hmmmmm....
My other American car engine hasn't exploded yet and I very much doubt it will ever will. In fact it is running smoothly, excellent power delivery, good gas mileage and not a single drop of oil consumption or anything else. I guess GM's venerable 3800 Series II V6 is a rock solid engine
) but I would do my best to avoid it. As far as breaking it in, I never broke my Civic's engine in and it's been running great with 62k on the clock. But the next car I get, I'll definitely follow the owner's manual for break-in specs.>>
Hmmmmm....
My other American car engine hasn't exploded yet and I very much doubt it will ever will. In fact it is running smoothly, excellent power delivery, good gas mileage and not a single drop of oil consumption or anything else. I guess GM's venerable 3800 Series II V6 is a rock solid engine
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>>For one thing, your engine won't explode (unless it's American ) but I would do my best to avoid it. As far as breaking it in, I never broke my Civic's engine in and it's been running great with 62k on the clock. But the next car I get, I'll definitely follow the owner's manual for break-in specs.
>>
Hmmmmm....
My other American car engine hasn't exploded yet and I very much doubt it will ever will. In fact it is running smoothly, excellent power delivery, good gas mileage and not a single drop of oil consumption or anything else. I guess GM's venerable 3800 Series II V6 is a rock solid engine
Also don't forget the MINI's 1.6L Tritec engine was co-developed with an "Evil" American car company....
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Delived 9/7/02: '02 MINI Cooper, Pepper White, Black roof and mirrors, CVT, Multifunction Steering wheel, 8-Spoke 15" Wheels, STD black leatherette seats with Silver Gray door panels, STD painted bumpers (No Chrome accents). Having lots of fun!!!!
) but I would do my best to avoid it. As far as breaking it in, I never broke my Civic's engine in and it's been running great with 62k on the clock. But the next car I get, I'll definitely follow the owner's manual for break-in specs.>>
Hmmmmm....
My other American car engine hasn't exploded yet and I very much doubt it will ever will. In fact it is running smoothly, excellent power delivery, good gas mileage and not a single drop of oil consumption or anything else. I guess GM's venerable 3800 Series II V6 is a rock solid engine
Also don't forget the MINI's 1.6L Tritec engine was co-developed with an "Evil" American car company....
_________________
Delived 9/7/02: '02 MINI Cooper, Pepper White, Black roof and mirrors, CVT, Multifunction Steering wheel, 8-Spoke 15" Wheels, STD black leatherette seats with Silver Gray door panels, STD painted bumpers (No Chrome accents). Having lots of fun!!!!
2nd Gear
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>>So, what if you accidentally exceed 4500 rpm during the break in period.
>>
I hate to tell you this, but I'm afraid you've done permanent and irreparable damage to the engine of your car. In fact, it's pretty much useless now. However, to save you the trouble and expense of having to dispose of the vehicle, I'd be willing to take it off your hands for nothing. I'll even come pick it up.
Seriously, I wouldn't worry about it. Just try not to do it again.
>>
I hate to tell you this, but I'm afraid you've done permanent and irreparable damage to the engine of your car. In fact, it's pretty much useless now. However, to save you the trouble and expense of having to dispose of the vehicle, I'd be willing to take it off your hands for nothing. I'll even come pick it up.
Seriously, I wouldn't worry about it. Just try not to do it again.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Ontario, Canada
There is absolutely nothing to waorry about with a short duration redline or two. especially with the computer cutting off fuel before things get too hot.
there are two schools of thought on new cars. the old one which, until the ne MINI came along I had thought was dead, was to drive it for some number of miles say 1,000 at a reasonable and varied number of revs. The other, and my personal favorite, is to drive it the way you intend to.If something breaks you want it during the warrently period.
Having said that you can't race it or drive at 5k+ RPM for long periods but i would (and do)take it to 6000 whenever the mood takes me.
ENJOY - IT's ONLY A CAR!!.
p.s. i am 58 years old and am amazed at the number of niave questions on this and other forums. Just because it's a physically small car doesn't mean it needs to be babied.
there are two schools of thought on new cars. the old one which, until the ne MINI came along I had thought was dead, was to drive it for some number of miles say 1,000 at a reasonable and varied number of revs. The other, and my personal favorite, is to drive it the way you intend to.If something breaks you want it during the warrently period.
Having said that you can't race it or drive at 5k+ RPM for long periods but i would (and do)take it to 6000 whenever the mood takes me.
ENJOY - IT's ONLY A CAR!!.
p.s. i am 58 years old and am amazed at the number of niave questions on this and other forums. Just because it's a physically small car doesn't mean it needs to be babied.
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If the owner's manual makes such recommendations about the 1,200 mile brake in, I personally do not see a problem in excercising a little of bit restraint when driving the car during this period.
Perhaps some people are babying these cars too much but I don't generally think this is a concern in terms of the size of the car but rather to ensure its reliability and longetivity.
Today's manufacturing processes ensure that almost every car comes out ready to face the world at the end of the assembly line but still stepping on the side of caution during those first few hundred miles will not hurt anything other than your desire to juice out the engine to the best of its abilities.
I agree, the MINI is just a car that begs to be enjoyed!.
Perhaps some people are babying these cars too much but I don't generally think this is a concern in terms of the size of the car but rather to ensure its reliability and longetivity.
Today's manufacturing processes ensure that almost every car comes out ready to face the world at the end of the assembly line but still stepping on the side of caution during those first few hundred miles will not hurt anything other than your desire to juice out the engine to the best of its abilities.
I agree, the MINI is just a car that begs to be enjoyed!.
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
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I think I remember an article in either Car and Driver or Road and Track a few years back where they addressed this question. If memory serves me correctly, they pretty much said that its all a crock of crap about the 'babying' of the engine during a 'break in' period. However, I do believe that they said to at least let the engine warm up first before hard driving.
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Birmingham, AL
Ok... Just had to add my .02 here....
First: the People who designed the engine are the ones telling you this. BREAK it in nicely!!
If this were just some scam or "marketing" ploy.... then why are every Auto Mfg. company playing the same game?
Second: I've read quite a few articles on this topic and seen many quotes from Racing teams and such who "ALL" agree that a break-in period is necessary.
With the above said.....
There is speculation as to how long the break in period should last....... But... for me, I think I'll take BMW/MINI's word for it.
Happy Motoring,
SW
First: the People who designed the engine are the ones telling you this. BREAK it in nicely!!
If this were just some scam or "marketing" ploy.... then why are every Auto Mfg. company playing the same game?
Second: I've read quite a few articles on this topic and seen many quotes from Racing teams and such who "ALL" agree that a break-in period is necessary.
With the above said.....
There is speculation as to how long the break in period should last....... But... for me, I think I'll take BMW/MINI's word for it.
Happy Motoring,
SW
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: British Columbia-Canada
You definitely don't want that happening too much. Over revving a new car will scorch and scar the inards. It's not ready for that kinda punishment just yet. But if it happens the very odd time, and gets corrected back to a noraml rpm level right away, than there's nothing to worry about. The odd dive over the rpm limit during the breakin won't hurt.
I totally think that whole schtink about the car remembering if you break the rules and retatrds timing to be a slower car, is a buncha crrrrap.
Although, maybe buy a manual driving beater for those people to learn on. That way the MINI stays safe. Also, Everyone is always willing to help another out when it comes to learning stick shift. 'Cause everyone else had to learn from someone as well. Ask a friend, or rent a manual car for the day from a rental lot. Just a couple of MINI friendly suggestions.
Keep the MINI happy.
Cheers,
I totally think that whole schtink about the car remembering if you break the rules and retatrds timing to be a slower car, is a buncha crrrrap.
Although, maybe buy a manual driving beater for those people to learn on. That way the MINI stays safe. Also, Everyone is always willing to help another out when it comes to learning stick shift. 'Cause everyone else had to learn from someone as well. Ask a friend, or rent a manual car for the day from a rental lot. Just a couple of MINI friendly suggestions.
Keep the MINI happy. Cheers,
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Greece
1. Break in serves various purposes (brakes, engine, fluids, metals) in terms of allowing components to work at their optimum
2. Depending on the quality of the manufacturer and the components used you may see a difference in performance later on. (I have experienced this with other cars)
3. I did my best to drive below 4,500 rpm for the period. No exceptions there, but I did drive rather fast and might have breaked hard quite a lot. I also changed gears extremely fast which I later learnt from a BMW mechanic, is not a very good idea during run in.
4. WHO CARES? I bought my Mini to have fun and life is way too short to worry about an 0.01% performance issue!!!
2. Depending on the quality of the manufacturer and the components used you may see a difference in performance later on. (I have experienced this with other cars)
3. I did my best to drive below 4,500 rpm for the period. No exceptions there, but I did drive rather fast and might have breaked hard quite a lot. I also changed gears extremely fast which I later learnt from a BMW mechanic, is not a very good idea during run in.
4. WHO CARES? I bought my Mini to have fun and life is way too short to worry about an 0.01% performance issue!!!
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Macedonia, Ohio
The occasional pop over 4500 is fine even when the engine is brand new. Once I hit about 300 miles, I've progressively started driving Sprog harder and harder. She has almost 1100 miles on her now, and I've had her redlined numerous times, all the while leaving loooooong black streaks on the road. Its so satisfying. When you FIRST bring the car home, though, you wanna be careful for the first couple hundred miles, dunno if anyone else noticed, but at the beginning the cars run hot and smoke out of the tailpipe, which is a common thing. Screw the break in after 600 miles or so and just whallop it baby, yeah! 
6th Gear
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From: Lockport, NY, USA
Like I posted earlier... is it REALLY hard not to beat your MINI for the first 1200 miles? I mean really.. for something that may make your MINI happier in the long run, you can't take it easy for a few weeks? It's really almost a silly argument...
Rocketboy_X
Rocketboy_X
6th Gear
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From: USA
I did it once and suddenly I heard a loud noise
like a cat screeching and saw red lights flashing
in my rear view mirror. Needless to say, I stepped
on it and went home as quickly as possible.
Somewhere in between the sound faded away as did
the flashing red lights. To this day I don't know what
it was....
like a cat screeching and saw red lights flashing
in my rear view mirror. Needless to say, I stepped
on it and went home as quickly as possible.
Somewhere in between the sound faded away as did
the flashing red lights. To this day I don't know what
it was....
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>>you get a message through the radio that you are being turned into the high rpm police at BMW.....relax, the break-in schtik is pure nonsense with today's cars...lol!
It had to be you... :evil: :evil: :evil:
It had to be you... :evil: :evil: :evil:
1st Gear
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From: Yonkers NY
For the most part, it shouldn't be a problem.
I must confess, I was showing the car off to my niece, and did a full-blown launch. Took her to 3500 RPM, dropped the clutch (did I say it was an MCS?) let her slip a little, and took her all the way to the redline. Then I put her in second for an instant. I was going 55 on a quiet city street before I knew it!!!!
I haven't repeated it, although I have now broken her in (i will be doing ~ 600 miles this weekend, and I'm looking forward to it) my girl friend has hinted that my excessive aggressiveness might cause her to loose her lunch.
I can always clean up the leatherette.
I must confess, I was showing the car off to my niece, and did a full-blown launch. Took her to 3500 RPM, dropped the clutch (did I say it was an MCS?) let her slip a little, and took her all the way to the redline. Then I put her in second for an instant. I was going 55 on a quiet city street before I knew it!!!!
I haven't repeated it, although I have now broken her in (i will be doing ~ 600 miles this weekend, and I'm looking forward to it) my girl friend has hinted that my excessive aggressiveness might cause her to loose her lunch.
I can always clean up the leatherette.