new 135i question

[premedsoccergod]

Sooo I just finally got my baby (135i) and I’m in love with it so much; it’s INSANE. Any general important things I should know about the car? Like not flooring it for the first 1000 miles? My dad says that BMW already has the car all ready for us so we can go whatever speed we wish but my cousin tells me not to floor it till after 1000 miles or so. Any thoughts?

[guardianangel3290]

There has been alot of discussion on this already and everyone seems to have their own opinion.
As for me, I floored it several times before 1200 miles, but never all the way to redline. With the exception of a fuel pump failure (which is very common) my car has never given me a single problem.
I'd say drive it like you normally would (that is unless you drive like mario andretti lol)

[Lester]

Keep the revs below 6000 for the first 2500 miles or so. When driving on the freeway, try and keep the engine at various rpm's. Do that by changing gears from 4 to 6 to 5. Drive conservatively at first until you get to feel how the car handles and brakes. Avoid the temptation to do anything rash, or to show off to your friends. It will just get you into trouble.

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by Lester

Avoid the temptation to do anything rash, or to show off to your friends. It will just get you into trouble.

Isnt that just a good rule in general?

[JHZR2]

Read the manual.

[C_Topher]

Welcome and congrats! You will love it. BMW has a specific break-in regimen. It has been discussed many times and is detailed well in the manual. A search is in order!

Some people say that no break-in is the best break-in. I followed the instructions in the manual.

[cagekicker]

manual is good reading.

[MOCKBA]

Congrat! Use the forum, you will know everything about your car soon, even some surprises.

[tbird]

What your father was referring to was that in the past, new engines had to have a super thin oil, literally like mineral oil, for the first 1000 miles, just so the engine could move and scrape and get used to being run. If you revved too much, the oil wasn't thick enough and it would then rub metal on metal.

Nowadays, engines are built with far better tolerance. One exception, the new M3 is built very well but they do run the thin oil and you are absolutely required to break it in super slow.

But just as people have said in this thread, and have said on many threads before, you absolutely should break in the engine gently. Is there any good reason to "take it out and thrash it like a piece of crap"? Of course not.

Easy rule of thumb is 200 miles per cylinder, which for the 1 is 1200 miles, is the break in.
First 500 miles, don't go over 4000rpm or half thrust.
Next 500 miles, raise rpm to 5000, but still don't floor it.
Last 200 miles, floor it here or there, but just be calm about it.
Vary your acceleration a bit. Super gentle at times, stronger at times. This helps the valves to seat properly.

Patience now equals fewer problems later. A little maturity by the driver will ensure maturity of the vehicle. You are capable of driving slow for 1-2 months.

OR, you can just beat the shit out of your new car and be an idiot, and later on when your car has issues and you have to admit you weren't patient and kind to your car, we all will tell you "I told you so".

It is your car, it is up to you. I hope you treat your new baby well.

[BForbes]

Congrats on the car. I see you chose it over the 3series.

[sid33]

Good luck .. The manual wont steer you wrong ... Just enjoy the car and drive safe...

Or just forget about all that and drive it like you stole it ...