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      10-14-2019, 01:38 PM   #1
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1200 Mile Break-In Period

Not sure if this has been covered before, but is there a particular reason BMW set 1200 miles as the break-in period mileage?

Because my car is purely a weekend car and I'm typically busy as hell with work, I'm struggling to get to 1200 before winter hits here in the NE and I have to prep the car for winter storage.

First world problems I know.

Last edited by MMMBRAP; 10-14-2019 at 01:44 PM..
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      10-14-2019, 01:56 PM   #2
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There is a ton of information online, but my understanding is that the 1200 miles is so there is enough wear on the diff and engine so that all the small metal particles generated from the break-in period are removed with the initial diff and engine oil changes.

Personally, I'd wait until at least 1000 miles.
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      10-14-2019, 02:07 PM   #3
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Zeee Germans are just rounding off kilometers to miles. 2,000 kilometers = 1,243 miles.

I know that's not what you were asking, but I had to.

In all seriousness the engine for the most part is broken in from factory, but there can still be some further bits of metal that need to be worked out. Better safe than sorry. The major part of the car that needs to be broken in is the entire drivetrain. IMO follow the break-in procedure and be patient. You can still get your oil change at 1yr or 10k miles, which ever comes first.
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      10-14-2019, 02:12 PM   #4
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Yes, agree with what KevinM said. BWM say the oil needs to be changed something like every 10K or once a year so the break-in service 'short cycle' is to get the initial fill oil out of the engine and diff which gets contaminated with tiny metal particles which have come off the gears and other rotating parts. You would hope the 1200 number comes from testing where BMW determined that was the optimum point to remove the initial fill oils.
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      10-14-2019, 05:36 PM   #5
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My dealer said they will do break in service on M cars as early as 700 or 800 miles. I’m sure some may argue the validity of that but they have a race team so they probably have some sort of reasoning behind it.
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      10-14-2019, 09:18 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMBRAP View Post
Not sure if this has been covered before, but is there a particular reason BMW set 1200 miles as the break-in period mileage?

Because my car is purely a weekend car and I'm typically busy as hell with work, I'm struggling to get to 1200 before winter hits here in the NE and I have to prep the car for winter storage.

First world problems I know.
Just do the break in in the spring if you don’t get to 1200 this year.
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      10-16-2019, 09:52 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinM View Post
There is a ton of information online, but my understanding is that the 1200 miles is so there is enough wear on the diff and engine so that all the small metal particles generated from the break-in period are removed with the initial diff and engine oil changes.

Personally, I'd wait until at least 1000 miles.
Gotcha, that's helpful, thanks Kevin! Quick question - where is the reservoir or holding area for those small metal particles being held? In the oil pan?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tag View Post
Zeee Germans are just rounding off kilometers to miles. 2,000 kilometers = 1,243 miles.

I know that's not what you were asking, but I had to.

In all seriousness the engine for the most part is broken in from factory, but there can still be some further bits of metal that need to be worked out. Better safe than sorry. The major part of the car that needs to be broken in is the entire drivetrain. IMO follow the break-in procedure and be patient. You can still get your oil change at 1yr or 10k miles, which ever comes first.
Thanks Tag! I think I'll have to wait until Spring for sure; there's just no way I can complete 1200 at this point, and I don't want to rush things.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dtmurf View Post
Yes, agree with what KevinM said. BWM say the oil needs to be changed something like every 10K or once a year so the break-in service 'short cycle' is to get the initial fill oil out of the engine and diff which gets contaminated with tiny metal particles which have come off the gears and other rotating parts. You would hope the 1200 number comes from testing where BMW determined that was the optimum point to remove the initial fill oils.
Thanks dt!

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Originally Posted by MystroX5 View Post
Just do the break in in the spring if you don’t get to 1200 this year.
Thanks Mystro - unfortunately that's what I'm going to have to do. I'm currently at 317 lol.
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      10-16-2019, 02:08 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMBRAP View Post
Gotcha, that's helpful, thanks Kevin! Quick question - where is the reservoir or holding area for those small metal particles being held? In the oil pan?
For the engine components I would think the oil filter. For the diff there wouldn't be any; the particles would be in the diff fluid, which is completely drained and replaced.
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      10-16-2019, 02:57 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMBRAP View Post
Not sure if this has been covered before, but is there a particular reason BMW set 1200 miles as the break-in period mileage?

Because my car is purely a weekend car and I'm typically busy as hell with work, I'm struggling to get to 1200 before winter hits here in the NE and I have to prep the car for winter storage.

First world problems I know.
Winter storage? You wuss. I live in NE too (CT). Put snow tires on it and enjoy it year round.
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      10-16-2019, 03:12 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by andrettifan View Post
Winter storage? You wuss. I live in NE too (CT). Put snow tires on it and enjoy it year round.
+1

This is not a Lambo...
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      10-16-2019, 06:05 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1mm2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by andrettifan View Post
Winter storage? You wuss. I live in NE too (CT). Put snow tires on it and enjoy it year round.
+1

This is not a Lambo...
I had to drive to Foxwoods and to the Maine coast to get my 1200 miles the first month, since then it's been sitting, just 2k total miles since April

I'm such a creampuff

I was traveling, I had chemo treatments and some work but NOW I'm cancer free, no more work this year and I'm getting a winter wheel set up from sun motors PA

drive late late @ night or early in the morning to get some clear roads to break er in

drop off car for for service on a Saturday so you will get a loaner for minimum of 2 days that way you can have a clean loaner to pickup whores in that have glitter and cheap perfume, smoke cigars with friends (no evidence of your weekend) in a loaner

Public announcement: Herb Chambers BMW loaner x3 Sapphire Black with sticky back seats is a sav you want to AVOID 😐

Edit: off topic, strange year high highs and low lows, i took the year off work (self employed) I got to travel with my son for the euro delivery, wife to Greece and nephews and son to Yellowstone, getting healthy changed my perspective on life, not wasting energy on anger or regret, living each day as a gift, rainy Wednesday night in boston my wife made spaghetti and meatballs (normal simple home meal) I kissed her telling her I'm happy we're all here eating this plate of heartburn togeather
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      10-16-2019, 06:32 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NEfan508 View Post
I had to drive to Foxwoods and to the Maine coast to get my 1200 miles the first month, since then it's been sitting, just 2k total miles since April

I'm such a creampuff

I was traveling, I had chemo treatments and some work but NOW I'm cancer free, no more work this year and I'm getting a winter wheel set up from sun motors PA

drive late late @ night or early in the morning to get some clear roads to break er in

drop off car for for service on a Saturday so you will get a loaner for minimum of 2 days that way you can have a clean loaner to pickup whores that have glitter and cheap perfume and smoke cigars with friends (no evidence of your weekend) in a loaner

Public announcement: Herb Chambers BMW loaner x3 Sapphire Black with sticky back seats is a sav you want to AVOID 😐
Cancer free is the story here!
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      10-16-2019, 06:49 PM   #13
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Before they started paying for "scheduled" maintenance, all new BMWs required a 1200-mile break in service (oil, diff and tranny fluid).

Curiously, my dealer told me they won't CPO an M model unless it had the break-in service before 1500 miles. I've never heard of that, not sure I believe it, or perhaps it was specific to this dealer.
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      10-16-2019, 06:51 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jkoral View Post
Before they started paying for "scheduled" maintenance, all new BMWs required a 1200-mile break in service (oil, diff and tranny fluid).

Curiously, my dealer told me they won't CPO an M model unless it had the break-in service before 1500 miles. I've never heard of that, not sure I believe it, or perhaps it was specific to this dealer.
100% true. Your BMW dealer cannot CPO an M car unless it's had it's 1200 mile break in service within 500miles of that number. I've seen the policy and I've seen the error in the system when a dealer tries to do it. BMW does not allow it.
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      10-16-2019, 06:56 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMBRAP View Post
Not sure if this has been covered before, but is there a particular reason BMW set 1200 miles as the break-in period mileage?

Because my car is purely a weekend car and I'm typically busy as hell with work, I'm struggling to get to 1200 before winter hits here in the NE and I have to prep the car for winter storage.

First world problems I know.
This has been covered at least once for every break in mile so about 1,200 times.
Yes there are reasons, just drive your car to work a few times and you'll hit your mileage.
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      10-17-2019, 09:23 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NEfan508 View Post
Edit: off topic, strange year high highs and low lows, i took the year off work (self employed) I got to travel with my son for the euro delivery, wife to Greece and nephews and son to Yellowstone, getting healthy changed my perspective on life, not wasting energy on anger or regret, living each day as a gift, rainy Wednesday night in boston my wife made spaghetti and meatballs (normal simple home meal) I kissed her telling her I'm happy we're all here eating this plate of heartburn togeather
Loved reading this part of your story.
Often times you forget to appreciate the things that matter the most. Things you take for granted.
Zombieland rule #32 - Enjoy the little things.
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      10-17-2019, 10:00 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMBRAP View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinM View Post
There is a ton of information online, but my understanding is that the 1200 miles is so there is enough wear on the diff and engine so that all the small metal particles generated from the break-in period are removed with the initial diff and engine oil changes.

Personally, I'd wait until at least 1000 miles.
Gotcha, that's helpful, thanks Kevin! Quick question - where is the reservoir or holding area for those small metal particles being held? In the oil pan?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tag View Post
Zeee Germans are just rounding off kilometers to miles. 2,000 kilometers = 1,243 miles.

I know that's not what you were asking, but I had to.

In all seriousness the engine for the most part is broken in from factory, but there can still be some further bits of metal that need to be worked out. Better safe than sorry. The major part of the car that needs to be broken in is the entire drivetrain. IMO follow the break-in procedure and be patient. You can still get your oil change at 1yr or 10k miles, which ever comes first.
Thanks Tag! I think I'll have to wait until Spring for sure; there's just no way I can complete 1200 at this point, and I don't want to rush things.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dtmurf View Post
Yes, agree with what KevinM said. BWM say the oil needs to be changed something like every 10K or once a year so the break-in service 'short cycle' is to get the initial fill oil out of the engine and diff which gets contaminated with tiny metal particles which have come off the gears and other rotating parts. You would hope the 1200 number comes from testing where BMW determined that was the optimum point to remove the initial fill oils.
Thanks dt!

Quote:
Originally Posted by MystroX5 View Post
Just do the break in in the spring if you don’t get to 1200 this year.
Thanks Mystro - unfortunately that's what I'm going to have to do. I'm currently at 317 lol.
Why not just like, daily drive it until you hit 1k or plan a weekend road trip?
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      10-17-2019, 09:14 PM   #18
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For me, I took a day trip up into the mountains, twice. It made for nice changes on the engine and transmission loads. 2 lane, of course, except for a short stretch of highway to get some speed miles in. Since that day was only about 300 miles, I did the same thing the next weekend, to a different pass. I put on my 1200 in about 3 weeks, and got some nice driving in as well. Now, almost 2 months later sitting a little over 1500 from the daily commute. I need another mountain trip before the snow hits.
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      10-27-2019, 04:12 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andrettifan View Post
Winter storage? You wuss. I live in NE too (CT). Put snow tires on it and enjoy it year round.
lol, I know but I'm OCD about salt/rust.

Quote:
Originally Posted by NEfan508 View Post
I had to drive to Foxwoods and to the Maine coast to get my 1200 miles the first month, since then it's been sitting, just 2k total miles since April

I'm such a creampuff

I was traveling, I had chemo treatments and some work but NOW I'm cancer free, no more work this year and I'm getting a winter wheel set up from sun motors PA

drive late late @ night or early in the morning to get some clear roads to break er in

drop off car for for service on a Saturday so you will get a loaner for minimum of 2 days that way you can have a clean loaner to pickup whores in that have glitter and cheap perfume, smoke cigars with friends (no evidence of your weekend) in a loaner

Public announcement: Herb Chambers BMW loaner x3 Sapphire Black with sticky back seats is a sav you want to AVOID 😐

Edit: off topic, strange year high highs and low lows, i took the year off work (self employed) I got to travel with my son for the euro delivery, wife to Greece and nephews and son to Yellowstone, getting healthy changed my perspective on life, not wasting energy on anger or regret, living each day as a gift, rainy Wednesday night in boston my wife made spaghetti and meatballs (normal simple home meal) I kissed her telling her I'm happy we're all here eating this plate of heartburn togeather
Forget the car story bit, so glad to hear you're CANCER FREE my man!

Quote:
Originally Posted by jkoral View Post
Before they started paying for "scheduled" maintenance, all new BMWs required a 1200-mile break in service (oil, diff and tranny fluid).

Curiously, my dealer told me they won't CPO an M model unless it had the break-in service before 1500 miles. I've never heard of that, not sure I believe it, or perhaps it was specific to this dealer.
Good to know, thanks!

Quote:
Originally Posted by pruettfan View Post
This has been covered at least once for every break in mile so about 1,200 times.
Yes there are reasons, just drive your car to work a few times and you'll hit your mileage.
I actually WFH, and am usually stuck at my desk at home most of the day on meetings and calls. Hence it being mostly a weekend toy.

Quote:
Originally Posted by akkando View Post
plan a weekend road trip?
I was thinking the same thing; going to just plan a weekend road trip and knock it out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zoomigo View Post
For me, I took a day trip up into the mountains, twice. It made for nice changes on the engine and transmission loads. 2 lane, of course, except for a short stretch of highway to get some speed miles in. Since that day was only about 300 miles, I did the same thing the next weekend, to a different pass. I put on my 1200 in about 3 weeks, and got some nice driving in as well. Now, almost 2 months later sitting a little over 1500 from the daily commute. I need another mountain trip before the snow hits.
I need to do this!
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      10-31-2019, 10:53 AM   #20
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if you're really curious how your S55 has done during the break-in period. Get a Blackstone Laboratories oil analysis done. Contact them first for their mail-in sample container. Fill it as directed and mail back for your oil analysis. Money well spent.
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      10-31-2019, 03:22 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMBRAP View Post
Not sure if this has been covered before, but is there a particular reason BMW set 1200 miles as the break-in period mileage?

Because my car is purely a weekend car and I'm typically busy as hell with work, I'm struggling to get to 1200 before winter hits here in the NE and I have to prep the car for winter storage.

First world problems I know.
I'm the same, car came Oct 2018, but I just did lots of special 2 or 3 hour fully warmed ip weekend run in drives and did 1000 miles in a month, got it serviced then have only done 4k more in 11 months.

Won't do any harm sitting over winter though. just dont be tempted to do short runs from cold.
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      11-02-2019, 06:23 AM   #22
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