My service rep said the break-in period opens up the engine restrictions at 1,200 miles, then whooooo......

Is this true and is it the ECU that is programmed to hold the mother down?
I just hit 500mi and have a way to go, but there is still a lot of go!

 

Nope it won't .

 

Just make sure to vary your speed & keep her under 60 until 1200 miles, I know it's hard to do, but if you intend to keep your Mini for longer than say four or five years, following proper engine break-in procedure will help with its longevity.

 

I think your nine is upside down.

 

Yeah! And one of them looks like a zero!

 

Complete misinformation.

 

I was told to keep it at 70 mph and below 4500 rpm for the first 1,200 miles. I've reached 1,500 and am still a bit fearful of letting her RIP!

 

Whether it opens up or not the 2500 dip will be there forever.

 

I was told to keep it under 100 and 4500 rpms

 

Just let her rip in the road... jk... probably under 100 and variable RPM is sufficient...

My E46 M3 has strict breakin period and I was required to bring the car in the dealer for 1200 miles oil service. It even stated on the sticker they places on the windshield marked "IMPORTANT" After i got the 1200 oil change and i drove out of the dealer on to the freeway ramp... i rev her all the way to 7900 rpm... it just put a smile on my face and adrenaline rush...

But for not a high revving engine like the MCS... probably staying under 4k is good and make sure you go through the gears gently and clutch nicely (for manual)

 

Keep it under 60?

i have a bridge to sell you....

 

BMW MINI here in Germany said (and yes its an AMerican spec) Keep her under 4,000 on the tach, vary speed, for 1200 miles . With six gears you can go faster than 60. Here in Germany where its LEGAL the car can travel at about 115 mph....if I remember correctly W/O braking these parameters. I think the 60mph is just to keep you from getting a ticket, and its the law

 

The manual says keep it under 4,500 rpm and 90 mph for 1,200 miles. You have to do this yourself. The ECU will not limit anything for the break-in period.

 

Oops. I guess I must haved ruined the test car I drove then....

 

Do follow Owner's Manual Restrictions and vary speeds. What is not mentioned in OM, but is very important for 'seating' piston rings is:

Avoid driving for Fuel Economy and utilize 'high torque' accelerations frequently for short periods; like ¾ Throttle from 2500 or 3500 RPM up to 4500 RPM and then immediately decelerate back down again, repeating as traffic permits of course.

Automatic Transmissions will need to utilize Manual Shift to keep RPM's below what Auto might want to use at ¾ Throttle and do avoid the 'kick-down' (passing gear) that you can feel in your accelerator pedal.

This early 'ring seating' is critical to finish before the 'cross hatch' honed in your cylinder walls has been glazed over. This will result in better Fuel Economy and Performance, as well as reduced 'fuel contamination' of your Engine's Lubrication Oil (lower oil consumption) for your next quarter million miles.

 

Thanks for all the input.
I did read the manual and try (Its so hard) to stay under 4500 RPM and under 100. Once had to hit it to avoid a SUV.
Engine hasn't fallen out or made any screaming noises so all must be good. (Other than the turbo intake )

 

Where do the MAs get some of this crap?

 

Good reason to NOT buy the demo models.

 

I agree. I like my new cars to have less than 5 miles on the Odometer.

 

I've heard conflicting information about break in periods. Some say baby the engine, others say drive like you normally would. I'm inclined to agree with the latter. Drive normally, but don't take her down to the race track until after the break in period.

 

Bingo. Seat the Rings! DO NOT BABY IT. The result.... 177hp and 210tq at the wheels, bone stock at 6100 feet elevation. Constant 34 MPG city, 39-41 Highway.