[WBMWKID]

Hey guys..was wondering your thoughts on breaking in an new X5 40i with M Sport Brakes. Anything I should know or drive it like I stole it...or easy into it for the first 1500 miles (2500km). Thanks

[WBMWKID]

Here is what I have found out...

Engine, transmission, and axle drive

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Do not exceed the maximum engine and road speed:

4,500 rpm and 100 mph/160 km/h.

Avoid full load or kickdown under all circumstances.

From 1,200 miles/2,000 km

The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be increased.

Tires

Tire traction is not optimal due to manufacturing circumstances when tires are brand-new; they achieve their full traction potential after a break-in time.

Drive conservatively for the first 200 miles/300 km.

Brake system

Brake discs and brake pads only reach their full effectiveness after approx. 300 miles/500 km. Drive moderately during this break-in period.

Following part replacement

Observe the break-in procedures again, if components mentioned above are replaced.

[Supraman66]

I have always followed the manufactures instructions as best I could. 1,200 miles seems to a very long break in period for a BMW I6, but what do I know.

I always make sure I don't hold speed constant, once warm, always give it a decent amount of throttle to seat the rings, but just as important, you need to hold a gear on deceleration for good engine braking and decompression.

same thing for brakes, after 500 miles, a good stomp or two to really set them is has never hurt my vehicles.

Lastly, they obviously want you to baby the tranny for a bit, which again is a little odd as that transmission is in a ton of vehicles and has had great reviews and reliability from what I can ascertain. But again, if they don't want me to kick it down, I will try and refrain.

My 2 cents.

[M40i4me]

Originally Posted by Supraman66

I have always followed the manufactures instructions as best I could. 1,200 miles seems to a very long break in period for a BMW I6, but what do I know.

I always make sure I don't hold speed constant, once warm, always give it a decent amount of throttle to seat the rings, but just as important, you need to hold a gear on deceleration for good engine braking and decompression.

same thing for brakes, after 500 miles, a good stomp or two to really set them is has never hurt my vehicles.

Lastly, they obviously want you to baby the tranny for a bit, which again is a little odd as that transmission is in a ton of vehicles and has had great reviews and reliability from what I can ascertain. But again, if they don't want me to kick it down, I will try and refrain.

My 2 cents.

Totally Agree with you. I done this with every new vehicle I have owned. Varying the RPM’s is a must if you don’t want an oil burner. BMW engines are meant to be driven not babied!

[osteome]

This topic reminds me of the break in debates that I read through when I bought my E93 M3 in 2009. Some advocated following the conservative approach while others thought it best to bring the revs up to 8400 and dump the clutch from dealer's lot.

As the X5 will be my wife's, I think that she will adhere to the former....