saw a couple of comments in various threads about break-in period - ranging from almost bizarre (to me) recommendations of not using the sport button, to not to go over 100mph (which is less than 3000rpm in 6th gear) and no revving over 4500rpm (seems low but might make more sense) to the recommendation: go for it, let the Mini get accustomed to motoring and have fun with some speedy accelerations.

What are your thoughts on this, any experience from mechanics here or from people who understand cars intimately (I just drive them and have fun, I am still amazed how effortless they work) ...

 

I think they mean go at least 100mph

You should probably follow the MINI guidelines at least then if something breaks you won't blame yourself. From what I heard it's under 95mph and under 4500 RPM.

 

Muffle

you ordered a great combination (got almost the same but in Black) - let me know if you manage not to go above 5000rpm ... I doubt it, it is too much fun!!!!

 

Why don't you try what the manual says? Nothing faster than 100 MPH and nothing above 4500 RPM for the first 1200 miles.

 

I'd stick to less that 4500 rpm's and more importantly, get an oil change at 3000 miles. Let the dealership do there's at 5000. don't even tell them you changed it or had it changed. If you have to have it done at the dealership that's fine also. I think it's about 100 bucks for mid-oil-changes.

 

100 bucks for a mid oil change, that is mad steep don't you think? Is the reason why you change the oil at 300 miles is because there might still be metal particles from the engine being new???

 

filter.....................................$15
5qts synthetic oil @ $7.50ea.....$37.50
1/2 hr labor............................$44.50
total.....................................$97.00

 

I am, seriously, having trouble keeping it under 4500rpms---and I'm not a maniac. When accelerating in first it almost always goes to 4500. I haven't driven stick in about 5 years and it must be a hold over from then (Mitsubishi Eclipse). I've also gotten "lost" a couple of times going into 5th. I hope I am not killing her.

I have all of 83 miles on her since Saturday night.

 

I followed my break-in period to the letter. Things can still go wrong - re. my need for a new clutch and flywheel. Appears to be a manufacturer's defect. No explanation why.

 

Ouch!

 

Just follow the owner's manual, if you don't want hassles about the warranty, should anything go wrong. Top speeds and RPM are recorded in the OBC.

 

3000 rpm =100 mph?

Is this a typo?

 

WinnieMini, change your shift points to lower rpms. Shift around 2000k or 2500 especially in the lower gears until you reach that magic 1200 miles. As you know the break in period will help determine your motoring experience as long as you own the vehicle.

 

I can not possibly imagine that you shift your MCS every time you reach 2000/2500rpm - I tried it after reading your post and 'Stopsl' is just fighting this notion of boredome - he wants to run, turn, accelerate, the engine is like a young dog, eager to run and to be let free ...

I agree, however on the impact of the break-in period to the determination of the lifelong motoring experience - if the car is broken in at low revs only instead of changing revs in various gears and rpm, the car will always be sluggish, however if accustomed to variety and sporty driving, you will have a faster car at the end (just change the oil more frequently - other than the $100 it will not hurt)

 

Good question ??

 

Thanks, Loui. I did better today. I'm finding my groove in the 2000-2500 range. There is, I have to admit, alot to think about at this point. I'm at 119 miles now. Driving back and forth to work, YAWN :-| At least the drive is varied speeds/gears. I am NOT getting enough driving time in!

 

After 1000 miles, my commuter groove is 2500 to 2600 rpm. I find 5th gear at 2500 rpm puts me at 55 mph, the posted limit for the coastal Highway 101. There's no place around here to ever get into sixth gear

Basically, I find 3rd gear good for the 30 mph range, 4th good for the 40's, and 5th for the 50's. Makes it pretty simple. My best hope for a rush is to sneak up on some Winnebago going 45 mph, then downshifting from 4th into 3rd and blow by 'em like a shot. At this point, my wife is screaming and pointing at the speedometer

Like I was saying yesterday, a radar detector would make a great gift for my birthday this Sunday! 54 and feelin' every bit of it...

John

 

I did 100 mph and kept it below 4500 rpm. Didn't keep it at that speed, of course ;-).
I think the point of run-in is to get the mating parts to mate with as many other mating parts as possible. I drove at many different speeds in each of the gears and was amazed at how much range each gear has.

 

I am on my second MCS, and with both of mine, I didn't follow the "break-in" recommendations, and NEVER had a problem related to "not breaking it in the right way."

In the first 1,000 miles I have redlined, and took my car to about 100-105 MPH.
I have also driven in TWO rallies with others, where the car is taken to many a task at speed.

I AM IN NO WAY SUGGESTING that is is B.S. - I am just saying that there probably is no reason to PANIC if you exceed manafacturers recommendations.

-B