[fredens]

Hi, I’m new to the forum. I took delivery of my Sapphire Black M2 w/ six-speed manual shift on June 23. Any advice on break-in, other than what’s in the manual (vary your driving, keep it under 5000 rpm for the first 1200 miles)? So far I have been able to restrain myself, but I LOVE the sound of that S58(?) engine! My only other BMW was a 2009 135i, which I picked up in Munich and drove like a demon on the autobahn. Thanks in advance, Brad F

[Ravenseal]

Congratulations. The break in is difficult and requires a lot of restraint. It's something to uphold if you value the long term reliability and ownership of the vehicle. I've actually found the break in period to be a lot simpler with the six speed manual. The 8AT is too easy and eager to downshift aggressively on its own.

[Bumpinjeep]

Originally Posted by fredens

Any advice on break-in, other than what’s in the manual (vary your driving, keep it under 5000 rpm for the first 1200 miles)?

Hi Brad, if you pull up the owners manual from the iDrive, it states something like keep it under 5K RPM for the first 600 miles and 600-1200 keep it under 6K RPM. So at least that will give you some more revs to play with. Whenever I have a new car with break in, I would usually make sure the car is warmed up before giving it any sort of beans and just make sure to vary the RPM. So keep it in 2nd a bit longer than usual, 3rd, 4th, you know the drill. Do some engine breaking as well, I feel like that is important.

[Tag]

Understanding Engine Break In | Dos and Don'ts

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by Tag

Understanding Engine Break In | Dos and Don'ts

Absolutely yes, I think Savagegeese has the best explainer on this topic.

[JMcLellan]

Tell that guy (unless it's you) to get their darn dirty fingerprints off that car!

Congrats and beautiful car!

[JustinHEMI]

Congratulations!

[soflacarguy]

You’ve already gotten solid break in advice, only other thoughts I can offer is don’t let anyone else get behind the wheel and no valet for now! Lol

That BSM is so pretty irl, one of my favorite black paints Ive seen on any car. Congrats!

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by fredens

Hi, I’m new to the forum. I took delivery of my Sapphire Black M2 w/ six-speed manual shift on June 23. Any advice on break-in, other than what’s in the manual (vary your driving, keep it under 5000 rpm for the first 1200 miles)? So far I have been able to restrain myself, but I LOVE the sound of that S58(?) engine! My only other BMW was a 2009 135i, which I picked up in Munich and drove like a demon on the autobahn. Thanks in advance, Brad F

Sterling BMW?

[mikro]

Originally Posted by fredens

Hi, I’m new to the forum. I took delivery of my Sapphire Black M2 w/ six-speed manual shift on June 23. Any advice on break-in, other than what’s in the manual (vary your driving, keep it under 5000 rpm for the first 1200 miles)? So far I have been able to restrain myself, but I LOVE the sound of that S58(?) engine! My only other BMW was a 2009 135i, which I picked up in Munich and drove like a demon on the autobahn. Thanks in advance, Brad F

[stashstein]

That does indeed look like Sterling. Hope to see you around, I have yet to see one in person in NoVA.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by fredens

Hi, I’m new to the forum. I took delivery of my Sapphire Black M2 w/ six-speed manual shift on June 23. Any advice on break-in, other than what’s in the manual (vary your driving, keep it under 5000 rpm for the first 1200 miles)? So far I have been able to restrain myself, but I LOVE the sound of that S58(?) engine! My only other BMW was a 2009 135i, which I picked up in Munich and drove like a demon on the autobahn. Thanks in advance, Brad F

Looks very nice.

For break in I just follow the owners manual and what the factory calls for.

Think it calls for <5K RPMs and <106mph for the 1st 600 miles then after 600 miles <6K RPMs and <130mph.

Given where I live and drive 100+ MPH is very illegal so the 106mph limit works for the entire break in period.

'course, along with the above before I give the engine any real whip I drive long enough the engine is fully up to temperature. I make sure to go by the oil temperature gauge. The coolant temperature goes up quicker than the oil temperature but the oil temperature reflects better the engine's temperature.

Provided this is not forbidden in the owners manual what I do though that deviates a bit from the break in is I'll have the engine oil/filter service done at 600 miles. This is *not* the break in service this is something extra. I have this oil/filter service done but I request the RiS not be deactivated. RiS is BMW speak for the break in service reminder. Of course I have to pay for this service out of pocket.

Then at 1200 miles I have the car in for its break in service which for the 6-speed is engine oil/filter and diff fluid is changed. And then the break in service notification is dismissed. This service is free although I was charged ~$4 the windshield fluid reservoir needed topping up...

As is my SOP the oil/filter service will be done at 5K miles -- 3800 miles *after* the break in service -- then every 5K miles after. The 10K mile services (at least the oil/filter portion) are free included with the purchase of the car. The ones in between the 10K mile service intervals are on me.

Be sure you check the oil level periodically. While it is rare the engine will use any appreciable amount of oil you want to monitor the oil level just in case. I always carry a bottle of the proper engine oil to have when I check the oil level and if the oil level is low enough I can add oil and bring the oil level up to full.

Keep an eye on tire pressures. Early on my car picked up a nail in one of the rear tires. The tire was losing several PSI overnight. Had the car in to the local BMW dealer and fortunately the tire was deemed repairable and rather surprisingly the dealer service tech was allowed to repair the tire.

Over 1000 miles later tire is fine.

Have just about (maybe a bit over) 2500 miles on my car and it is a blast to drive. The engine is very powerful and the clutch and transmission are superb. Handling is perfect. Brakes ditto. The M2 is awesome.

[fredens]

Thanks to all for the advice. I’m well past break-in, but still not pushing the car to its limits, which (to be completely honest) exceed my own and, btw, would be a felony on any public road. ��
I had some track time in my previous BMW, a 2009 135i, but not yet in this one. The M Driver’s Package includes a day to the Performance Center, but that’s not until spring and I will be driving one of their vehicles. And yes, I picked it up at Sterling BMW in NoVa. Put down my deposit a full year before delivery. Happy with the dealer; absolutely in love with the car!
P.S. As a newbie to this forum, I am open to any (preferably well-intentioned) guidance on etiquette or protocol.

[Chet for short]

Congrats! I too came from a 2009 135i. The M2 is on another level! As far as break in - as others have said, follow the manual. It's tough, especially as you get up in the rev range and begin to see the shift lights and the wonderful sound, but be strong!

[2SG5]

Congrats on the new ride!

[sycd]

Originally Posted by Tag

Understanding Engine Break In | Dos and Don'ts

Thanks for the pointer! I didn't see that one before.

Break in is excruciating but I'm assuming it's worth it for the long term, otherwise BMW wouldn't care documenting it to that extent.

I'm not even at 300 miles yet, so still long ways to go. I have a roadtrip planned this weekend which should help get through this more quickly.

Congrats OP!

[sycd]

Originally Posted by M2siast

Make sure you don't use cruise control.

It will be mostly mountain roads as part of a rally with other M cars, so probably not!

[DarkNight707]

Congrats on the car! I am also going from a 2009 1 Series (128i) to a 2024 M2. I cannot wait for the upgrade! Would you share any reactions to your upgrade?

[Nightshifter]

Too badu didn’t want automatic. Selling mine for 60k 900 miles not broken in yet. Z blue loaded. Only worth 55k trade in.