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BMW 2 Series Technical Topics (G42) Mechanical Maintenance: Break-in | Oil & Fluids | Servicing | TSB | Recalls

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      01-22-2022, 09:44 PM   #1
rashannon81
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Engine Break-In, Proper Procedure

PSA:

Your dealer will tell you "Non-M cars don't have a break in period"

They're either dumb or misinformed.. or both...

EVERY engine has a break in.

I've built quite a few engines and I'm a bit OCD when it comes to break in.

IMO, here's my ideal break-in procedure:

Start car, let warm for 30s-1m, drive in manual mode trying to stay out of boost and not maintaining the same RPM(staying below 4k RPM) for any length of time and engine break as much as possible.
Do this for around 5-10 miles.

Same as before, but go to 4500-5000 RPM and use 5-10 psi. Engine brake as much as possible.

At 50 miles, change the oil and leave the filter.

Repeat again but go to 5000-5500 rpm and don't be afraid to give it the beans. Still engine break, it's crucial for the rings to seat properly.

At 50 miles or so the engine is about half way through, the remaining half will take another 1k miles. (Think bell curve for "break in value @ XX miles)

Change oil AND filter at 250 miles. And again at 1k miles.

The oil changes may seem like overkill, but when you drain it at 50 miles and see the amount of metal shavings you'll be glad you did.

I hope I can inform some people that are misinformed from the "experts"
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      01-22-2022, 11:36 PM   #2
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Why wouldn't metal shavings large enough to see be caught in the oil filter? Isn't that what it's for?
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      01-23-2022, 05:59 AM   #3
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Some, yes. But this is dust, also called "shine" it looks like glitter in the catch pan. Very tiny pieces.
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      01-23-2022, 06:35 AM   #4
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I was surprised when I picked up my G42 last Wednesday and the dealer said there was no "break-in service". While this is my first BMW, I have bought quite a few new Harley-Davidsons, and I always took them in at 1,000 miles to have the first batch of oil drained, along with all the metal shavings. Shoot, I have driven 7 Volkswagens, and even took those in for a service change.

My question now is - will they let me use one of my 10K services to do an oil change at 1,200 miles, or will I have to pay out of pocket?
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      01-23-2022, 10:05 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by adamjkeller View Post
I was surprised when I picked up my G42 last Wednesday and the dealer said there was no "break-in service". While this is my first BMW, I have bought quite a few new Harley-Davidsons, and I always took them in at 1,000 miles to have the first batch of oil drained, along with all the metal shavings. Shoot, I have driven 7 Volkswagens, and even took those in for a service change.

My question now is - will they let me use one of my 10K services to do an oil change at 1,200 miles, or will I have to pay out of pocket?
Probably out of pocket. 10k miles is too long as well. Change it on your own every 10k and have them do it every 10k.
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      01-24-2022, 09:20 AM   #6
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Hi Rashannon81, I am doing a PCD for my 230i. The drive is approximately a 500 mile drive. Do you have any advice?
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      01-24-2022, 09:39 AM   #7
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I've been in that same scenario for a 2019 Mustang GT.
I
I'd insist that you drive it home if you can. I tried that at Ford and they couldn't due to insurance reasons. When I got the car, I just gave it the beans.
.

Try to talk to the guy driving it and tell him not to use cruise, contact vary speeds and RPM.

Tell them to reference the owners manual for a proper first drive of the car so you have something backing you.
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      01-24-2022, 10:22 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rashannon81 View Post
I'd insist that you drive it home if you can. I tried that at Ford and they couldn't due to insurance reasons. When I got the car, I just gave it the beans.
.

Try to talk to the guy driving it and tell him not to use cruise, contact vary speeds and RPM.

Tell them to reference the owners manual for a proper first drive of the car so you have something backing you.
Thank you! I will fly down the per Performance Center in SC, do the tour and classes and drive back myself. I was concerned because the 500 miles is way over your recommended oil changes and RPMs in the original post. Any recommendations on top speed, how to accelerate, etc since my trip will be 500 miles minimum first day?
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      01-24-2022, 07:56 PM   #9
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Hell, the manual says 1200 miles before stressing the engine (I'm paraphrasing), but how can dealers say there's no break in period?
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      01-24-2022, 10:10 PM   #10
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Quote:
but how can dealers say there's no break in period?
real easy.

When you say "car dealers" who are you referring to? Mostly i guess folks are referring to the "car salesman". Now some are very well informed, some not so much. Anyone taking car mechanical advice from a "car salesman"....well, lets say results are to be varied at best.

Now if you approached the service dept of the dealership and asked them that would be a bit more responsible route to go. Frankly myself I'll take what a "car salesman" tells me with a small grain of salt, the old "trust but verify" approach is suitable.

I've dealt with very knowledgeable and trustworthy "car salespersons" and also have dealt with some totally misinformed and in one case actually dishonest.
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      01-26-2022, 10:26 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by danallxt View Post
real easy.

When you say "car dealers" who are you referring to? Mostly i guess folks are referring to the "car salesman". Now some are very well informed, some not so much. Anyone taking car mechanical advice from a "car salesman"....well, lets say results are to be varied at best.

Now if you approached the service dept of the dealership and asked them that would be a bit more responsible route to go. Frankly myself I'll take what a "car salesman" tells me with a small grain of salt, the old "trust but verify" approach is suitable.

I've dealt with very knowledgeable and trustworthy "car salespersons" and also have dealt with some totally misinformed and in one case actually dishonest.
IDK, the thread was discussing just "dealers." Agreed the service department is more reliable than the sales department, but I'm not sure that was clear in this thread. I was just noting official BMW position on the matter citing the manual.
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      01-27-2022, 02:09 AM   #12
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Quote:
but how can dealers say there's no break in period?
Only actual "M" cars have a required break in period, to be brought in at 1200 miles for oil change, diff change, and have the map tweaked.

You still want to properly break in your car though. Drive it normal. Don't beat on it too hard, and try not to go over 4500rpm or 90mph for the first 1200 miles.
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      02-03-2022, 09:44 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SupraCooper View Post
Only actual "M" cars have a required break in period, to be brought in at 1200 miles for oil change, diff change, and have the map tweaked.

You still want to properly break in your car though. Drive it normal. Don't beat on it too hard, and try not to go over 4500rpm or 90mph for the first 1200 miles.
Not sure one can say only the actual "M" cars have a "required" break in period. Either they both (M2 and M240s) have a "required" break in period or neither of the them do as the manual language is identical when addressing break in. Only difference is the M2 (2018 version) "allows" rpm up to 5500.
Quote:
Engine, transmission, and axle
drive
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:
▷ For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full throttle or kickdown under all circumstances.
also noted for both is to "do not use launch control" during this period.
The M2's manual language is identical except it allows a higher 5500 RPM, and 106mph vs 100 for m240.

Also as was noted in the prior post the M2 does provide for a dealer service at 1200 miles which is a nice perk for the M2 owners
Quote:
At 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Have drive-in checkup maintenance performed.
that in itself does not imply a "required" break in period. In terms of manual language of "do nots" etc there is no difference thus there is the same break in implied for both M2s and M240s, just a higher RPM level allowed for M2s.
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      02-14-2022, 10:54 AM   #14
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Break In

I did the PCD on Jan 4th for my G42 and our delivery supervisor/instructor for the day did indeed go over the break in period.

No constant speed, high revs (over 4500), or flooring it for the first 1500 miles.

Didn't mention anything about oil changes which I should have questioned. Have about 325 miles on it now. Should get one soon. Out of pocket I'm sure.

Thanks for info.

Ron
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      02-16-2022, 03:20 PM   #15
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Question

Slightly off topic but i did do an oil change today at 200 miles. Probably not necessary but i am anal about a new engine oil change. But i am glad i did as 1) there was no factory drain plug crush washer , 2) estimated torque value of the factory plug was way less than the recommended 22nm. (i do all my own wrenching on classic cars, motorcycles etc so i have a good feel for torque values). The plug was not loosy goosy, but perhaps only about half of the 22nm.

Question on BMW recommended oil changes, the M series (M2 etc) have an initial planned/recommended 1200 mile oil change service, the M240 with the same engine has a 1 year 10,000 mile for initial change. Why the difference??? same engine, i realize the M2 has more HP (bigger turbo?) but still its the same engine. anyone got any ideas from an engineering standpoint why the diff?

CORRECTION: Sorry my mistake, they are not the same engines...DUH.

Last edited by danallxt; 02-16-2022 at 04:00 PM.. Reason: correction
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      02-18-2022, 02:57 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by danallxt View Post
Slightly off topic but i did do an oil change today at 200 miles. Probably not necessary but i am anal about a new engine oil change. But i am glad i did as 1) there was no factory drain plug crush washer , 2) estimated torque value of the factory plug was way less than the recommended 22nm. (i do all my own wrenching on classic cars, motorcycles etc so i have a good feel for torque values). The plug was not loosy goosy, but perhaps only about half of the 22nm.

Question on BMW recommended oil changes, the M series (M2 etc) have an initial planned/recommended 1200 mile oil change service, the M240 with the same engine has a 1 year 10,000 mile for initial change. Why the difference??? same engine, i realize the M2 has more HP (bigger turbo?) but still its the same engine. anyone got any ideas from an engineering standpoint why the diff?

CORRECTION: Sorry my mistake, they are not the same engines...DUH.
Your assumptions are indeed correct.
Bmw has always used odd rules for brake-in service for some M cars.
For the 1M and OG M2 they recommended oil changes to the engine, differential, and transmission (manuals only) at 1200 miles/2000 km, but they had the same N54/N55 engine as the x35i versions of the time, which required no oil changes after break-in.
So my guess is that the most delicate part that requires proper break-in and oil change is just the M differential, but of course it is always best to follow all of Bmw's recommendations to maintain the warranty and have a complete service history.
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      03-24-2022, 02:01 PM   #17
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      03-28-2022, 08:23 AM   #18
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Look under the car....it is a tad misleading as it refers to the BMW maintenance plan, not Lifetime Oil use
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      03-29-2022, 11:01 AM   #19
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We've drove our car carefully for roughly 700 miles before any fast stuff. Was extra careful as this was our first shop car. After that, gradually sped up.

Remember that 1,200 miles is BMWs 'safety' margin. So long as your sensible, and the engine is warm, I can't see why you can't drive the car as intended after 5-600 miles.

Just my 2c
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      03-29-2022, 12:20 PM   #20
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My 2 cents on this:

A. 1,200 miles seems a tad excessive. I drive 300 miles a month. That means it'd take me 4 months to be able to drive the car the way it's intended?

B. It's 2022. If the break-in period was that godly and important for the engine and transmission, manufacturers would cover their bases using the ECU/DME to limit revs and top speed (Chevy did this with the C8). Otherwise, they'd be at fault while the vehicle is under warranty for 4 years. There's also no indication on the infotainment/dash when you turn on the car, or hell, a sticker. It's indicated as one phrase on a 40,000 word owner manual that gets reprinted for basically every BMW made.

C. The engines are "broken in" on the factory line, as other people on broader bimmerpost have pointed out. Modern manufacturing tolerances are also extremely precise, almost to the nanometer.

D. As long as all the temperatures are proper, it's likely safe to let the car rip a bit. Obviously, don't bounce it off the rev limiter repeatedly for 12 hours like you're at LeMans.

E. Doing an oil change between 1000-1200 miles is probably helpful for longevity.

F. If your car was sitting at the dealership for more than a day, someone already did a fat rip on the engine during a test drive.

G. Tires and brakes are another thing, they do need a proper break in.

H. Unless you're tracking the car, if BMW says something is a "lifetime fluid", it's probably fine to just let it be.

So all in all, the way I see it: it boils down to common sense. Don't beat the living shit out of your car for the first few hundred miles or so. Enjoy driving it.
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Last edited by Ravenseal; 03-29-2022 at 12:37 PM..
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      04-04-2022, 11:41 AM   #21
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There is also a video of Bmw production. At minute 9 you see him drive the car on a dyno.

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      04-23-2022, 07:03 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rashannon81 View Post
PSA:

Your dealer will tell you "Non-M cars don't have a break in period"

They're either dumb or misinformed.. or both...

EVERY engine has a break in.

I've built quite a few engines and I'm a bit OCD when it comes to break in.

IMO, here's my ideal break-in procedure:

Start car, let warm for 30s-1m, drive in manual mode trying to stay out of boost and not maintaining the same RPM(staying below 4k RPM) for any length of time and engine break as much as possible.
Do this for around 5-10 miles.

Same as before, but go to 4500-5000 RPM and use 5-10 psi. Engine brake as much as possible.

At 50 miles, change the oil and leave the filter.

Repeat again but go to 5000-5500 rpm and don't be afraid to give it the beans. Still engine break, it's crucial for the rings to seat properly.

At 50 miles or so the engine is about half way through, the remaining half will take another 1k miles. (Think bell curve for "break in value @ XX miles)

Change oil AND filter at 250 miles. And again at 1k miles.

The oil changes may seem like overkill, but when you drain it at 50 miles and see the amount of metal shavings you'll be glad you did.

I hope I can inform some people that are misinformed from the "experts"
Just wanted to confirm you're saying DO engine break heavily? I assumed that would have been bad as you're forcing higher revs for short periods even though you're off throttle?
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