In the MINI owners manual section on break-in period, there is mention of the need to observe a limit of 4,250 engine rpm or 90 mph vehicle speed. I have been getting close to the 90 mph threshold while being under the 4,250 rpm threshold. Any ideas why the limit to vehicle speed????

 

It's the law?!

 

Is there a 90 mph limit in Alberta? Lucky you. I think 70 is the fastest in California. Nevada used to allow any speed on state highways, but I believe that ended. 90 seems awfully fast on a public road although our MINIs can handle it easily. I just worry about other drivers not being able to judge that velocity.

 

Tires? Just guessing.

 

i hate that, especially the old lady in the burgandy buick that cant see over the dash that changes lanes without signalling while i'm in the passing lane cooking up the freeway!

 

When I was hitting 90 mph, it was on an interstate that has a design specification of 120 mph and there was no traffic within at least a 1/4 mile of my MINI.

 

The tires are H rated with a speed rating of 130 mph. Don't think it is the tires or brakes. I was wondering if there was some kind of seal seating requirement????

 

But only limit the speed during the break-in period????

 

In Canada we always religiously adhere to the posted speed limits (unfortunately considerably less than 90mph!).... Just ask Lot15, he always drives home at a leisurely pace (until he hits that lonely S-bend!):smile:

...oh and don't forget: the mods are watching! (#5) :smile: :smile:

 

There are some parts of the car that move at speeds that are linearly related to speed, like half shafts, bearings, and rotors. Until they are "broken in" (heat treated, metal wear to operating tolerance, etc) they should be held in a given operating range.

There are many things that I'm willing to mess with in the interests of performance that may sacrifice component longevity (pulley, lowering the suspension, etc). However, I take the engineers' word for it when they define their break-in periods - their job is to maximize longevity (and thus minimize warranty repairs).

Besides, it's only what, a thousand miles?

 

Ask your dealer or Mini directly

 

Just making sure all the guages work

 

what happens if you violate the break in period a couple of times?

 

You have slightly more fun than someone who doesn't.

No biggie; a couple of times wouldn't be terrible as long as you apply a little restraint.

 

While I agree with your POV in general I have to say that I have doubts that the engineer's job is to maximize longevity as it relates to warranty repairs since the longevity part of ownership will occur after the Mini warranty has expired. Also, based on Mini/BMW giving the bad advice on very infrequent oil changes and the like (transmission fluid and other things to) it seems that they are not longevity minded at all - perhaps they are trying to help create post warranty repairs for the dealers...

 

Perhaps I chose my words poorly. When I typed "longevity" I should have typed "reliability". I was referring with specific respect to parts that fail DURING the warranty period, not after, and thus, the two words are nearly synonymous.

Yes, of course, automotive engineers will do what is most important to 1. avoid warranty repairs, 2. minimize catastrophic repairs AFTER the warranty period to keep public quality perception up, and 3. keep costs down on content (read: make parts to reliability spec but don't beef anything up if it won't yield real-world returns)

When it comes to oil changes - I've seen this backfire BIGTIME for manufacturers. Using junk Dino oil = disaster for VAG with the oil sludge issue.

In reality, common sense prevails: Use good quality synthetic oil, replace it frequently, have judicious feet during break-in, and be **** in general about maintaining the car.

..unless of course you're leasing...DRIVE IT LIKE YA STOLE IT!!!

 

1000 miles of sub-4500rpm on the autobahn is ABSOLUTE AGONY.

 

One thing I'm gonna miss when I get back to the states.....being able to fly down the German Autobahn.

 

At 4,250 rpm, in 6th gear, I am right at 90 mph. There's your reason for the 90 mph. It's not about vehicle speed, it's about engine speed.

 

Exactly. It's all about the engine speed, not the absolute speed.

The break-in used to be so that the piston rings could propperly setup in the cylinders (and not have gasses leak by the rings into the crankcase, better compression, etc). Not sure it's all that important with the many advances in material science recently, but still I err'd on the side of caution.

Best,
Jon
'05 Pepper White/Black Cooper S

 

Well, in a 2005 MCSa (mine) in 6th, I am around 3,500 rpm at an indicated 90 mph. I haven't checked the accuracy of the tach and speedo, so there could be an issue of speedo error, but if the tach and speedo are accurate, you can see the reason for my original post. I am probably one of the more compulsive owners when it comes to break-in, and my reason for the original post was to try to understand why the limit on mph during the break-in period.