Break-in? What about the ED guys?

[BMWCali]

Okay, the topic of break-in. For the first 1,200 miles, no exceeding 5,500RPM and 106PMPH, yada yada yada. What about for those taking European Delivery? I plan on doing so in a few months and I can't imagine those who take delivery in Munich and drive on the Autobahn are sitting in the right lane doing 100MPH or less in a brand new BMW or M3. What's the story here?

I couldn't imagine getting on the Autobahn driving to Italy and watching as Porsche's and other Bimmers pass by doing 150MPH+. It'd be worse than getting an enema.

[Ilyam5]

I did several EDs with e39 M5s and e46 M3s. Yes it is hard for the first 2-3 days. But try to plan your trip accordingly.
For the first 2-3 days I usually go to Switzerland and Austria - they are speed limited anyway and have great mountain roads - good for variable engine speeds and bedding the brakes in.

Another thing to consider - 1200 miles is the suggested milage. You can brak in the engine much faster if you do it right. it is like bedding in the brakes. If you just drive it on the steet - it will take a couple of weeks to bed them in. follow the proper procedure (look at Zekahusen racing website) and you can be done in 20 minutes.

After 400-500 miles of driving at variable RPms with variable loads, cooling and heating up the engine - you should have no worries. The car is not limited in any way from day 1.

I ususlly go to Italy and Germany last - You can even do 1200 mile service in Germany (they will charge you though - 120 Euro). But like i said it is not neccessary to wait till 1200 miles. You can also do theat service anytime between 1000 and 2400 miles - BMW is pretty flexible - so you can wait till you get to the States and do it for free.

[mofomat]

Originally Posted by Ilyam5

You can also do theat service anytime between 1000 and 2400 miles - BMW is pretty flexible.

I seriously doubt this is good advice.

You should not wait until 2,400 miles to do your run-in service.

[mkoesel]

120 Euro? That's all? I am considering doing ED when I get an E90 M3. But that seems really cheap to me. I thought someone had quoted $500-$700 which of course sounds high for the us in US, but then with the way BMW's are priced in Europe it seemed about right.

[Ilyam5]

I thought so too when I got my first M5. I went and cheked on it at night and won't let Valet drivers park it. It all goes away. It is just a car You plan your trip around the places you want to see and things you want to do with your family, not aroud a car service.

BMW engines are build with pretty close tolerances and the amount of break -in materials and shavings is minimal in the first oil chage. I used to look at my oil after they changed it during 1200 mile serice and BMW techs lauged at me (yes first M car again).

How about 335 with 15,000 miles first BMW recomended oil change?

All I'm saying is if you can spend an extra day in Germany and do it - do it (call them way in advance), otherwise don't worry. I would not recommend doing this service in any other country but Germany. (I went to the biggest dealer in Rome during my second ED and it was not great - but that's another story).

[Ilyam5]

120 was the price I remember in 2001,

Here is the good place to read about ED and ask about current prices.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=25

[SMSgt B]

I will be honest in saying I have not been keeping it below 106mph but I mostly have kept it under 5500rpms. Yes, I went above 5500 but just briefly and by mistake, not by choice. When you are getting passed by Smarts, VW Lupos, etc....you just can't take it anymore. So I chose rpms over mph.

[KonigsTiger]

Originally Posted by Ilyam5

I did several EDs with e39 M5s and e46 M3s. Yes it is hard for the first 2-3 days. But try to plan your trip accordingly.
For the first 2-3 days I usually go to Switzerland and Austria - they are speed limited anyway and have great mountain roads - good for variable engine speeds and bedding the brakes in.

Another thing to consider - 1200 miles is the suggested milage. You can brak in the engine much faster if you do it right. it is like bedding in the brakes. If you just drive it on the steet - it will take a couple of weeks to bed them in. follow the proper procedure (look at Zekahusen racing website) and you can be done in 20 minutes.

After 400-500 miles of driving at variable RPms with variable loads, cooling and heating up the engine - you should have no worries. The car is not limited in any way from day 1.

I ususlly go to Italy and Germany last - You can even do 1200 mile service in Germany (they will charge you though - 120 Euro). But like i said it is not neccessary to wait till 1200 miles. You can also do theat service anytime between 1000 and 2400 miles - BMW is pretty flexible - so you can wait till you get to the States and do it for free.

+1!!!