So I finally got comfortable driving my manual transmission this weekend, but now a new dilemma has occured!

My MCS is at 270 miles, so technically I have 1000 miles to go before I can let him loose. It sucks having to back off when the RPMs approach 4K. I am sooo tempted to do what everyone here talks about and just mash the pedal, but I may have to wait another month.

I have to say this car is really fast, even at 3500RPM's I was moving all weekend. After owning 2 Blazers back-to-back, I thought being lower to the ground would make me feel like I was going fast even when going slow, but when I am cruising on the HWY, I accidentally find myself speeding. (I need to get used to it)

I had to wait 5 months for the car, now I have to wait at least another month before I can trully enjoy it...... whah!

 

The month should be worth it. They say it helps the life of the engine. So think of the first month or so as an investment.

 

Resist the temptation! You'll thank yourself later. What's one month compared to years of healthy motoring?

 

Then your break-in period will be over in less time.... Take the long way when you drive your MINI.... You will be surprised at how quickly the break-in period goes by....

 

Amen it does go fast, and I remeber waking up on the morning that i knew I would pass the the break in point. That was a good day hehe

 

Another month? Take some time off and drive. I think I got through my break-in period in a little over a week. Basically drove for 2 hours a day. I will say though, that break-in period is when you'll probably get the best gas mileage!

 

I am trying not to commute in it. I don't have my lower aero kit clear bra installed yet, so I am avoiding heavy HWY traffic. I guess I just need to put in a lot time this weekend.

 

Pushing it to 5K or slightly above on occasion during break in aint gonna hurt it, it's actually a good idea to vary your revs during this time. just don't run it at 5K or above all the time. J

 

I followed the break-in religiously, and I have yet to need to put oil in the car (which is a very good long-term sign). Believe me, your car will thank you later!

Sorry, forgot to mention that my car has just under 5K. But it's still better than burning a quart every thousand miles.

 

One good thing about buying from a distant out-of-state dealership is getting home after a weekend of fun when a fully broken-in engine. That's what we did with my wife's Cooper.

My MCS, on the other hand, was treated to a tire squealing burnout as I left the dealership and I have flogged it like a borrowed horse ever since. . . .

 

Hey, looks like we're both going through the break-in frustration. I picked mine up on friday, and now it has 200 miles on it. Can't wait till 1250.

DrueDown - nice color choice.

 

I bought MINI #2, Wicked Wanda, 4/4/03, and left on the first annual spring roadtrip a week later on 4/11. After following the recommended break-in procedure, I hit 1250 somewhere between Barstow and Needles, on my long, circuitous route to the first Dragon Meet, during which I drove through 21 states!

 

Same here... Just put 450 miles on her in less than a week. I plan on taking a road trip this weekend to help chalk up some break in miles. I've been good with the break in. I agree with the varying of revs. I'm doing the same break in procedures with the Mini as I did my 350Z. Hopefully the results will be just as rewarding!

 

So where are you now?

 

what's all this stuff about varying revs? it seems to me that you have to vary revs quite a bit to get from a stop to speed... then there's a red light, and you vary revs all the way down to idle at a complete stop. green light, time to go, revs vary as you head up to speed!

the only people who should have to make a conscious effort to vary revs are those who'll be spending a great majority of their break in time cruising at constant speed, i.e., long road trip.

am i wrong?

 

No, here U are right. What I meant earlier is that despite the so-called 4500 rpm limit, it's better for the motor during break in to exceed this every now and then, no higher than say 5500 rpm, and then for only very short periods. And, varying the revs means NOT using cruise control on break in long trips, shift up, shift down, just don't keep it at one RPM level all the time. Rings seal better with varied RPM speed during break in, just dont hit redline--and keep it there These engines are tough, but not that tough. Jimbo

 

Someone need to stop posting and start motoring! I cleaned up the proper break-in period in a little less than a week, no highway mostly in the dark (less traffic in night hours). 1k in a week is easy just finding twisties and new roads; don't be satisfied until you are completely lost then turn left go another hour then find your way home

BTW: Slower speed sensation comes from the larger wheel base, you'll soon get used to it (or get lots of tickets).

 

maybe its a good time to practice your heel and toeing