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      02-28-2012, 03:56 PM   #1
singularity
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F10 M5 break in period

Hi,

According to the manual there are 2 break-in procedures.

First is from 0 to 2000 km:
- Avoid using "kickdown" (don't floor the pedal)
- Do not exceed 5500 RPM
- Avoid exceeding 160 km/h (no high speeds)
- Drive at varying speeds

Second is from 2000 to 5000 km:
- Only use "kickdown" when overtaking is needed and for a short time
- Don't exceed 250 km/h

I've driven 540 km so far and I already failed all the above. I've driven it hard to 5500 RPM on at least 15 occasions because I wanted to feel traction, grip, torque and listen to exhaust sound at different speeds. I have used "kickdown" at least 10 times. Especially having raced a 911 Turbo today for 15 minutes non-stop, the lack of grip on a damp road in -3C with summer tires so was annoying to say the least. I am really hoping things will get better on dry and summer weather because it's nearly useless to have so much power if DSC keeps interfering almost EVERY time you push the gas. This is only, but biggest complaint about the car so far.

It's very difficult and near impossible for me to drive this machine like a grandmother for the next 3-5 months. I'm able to drive rarely and when I do, I'm in traffic jams. Needless to say I'm hungry to get in and enjoy the car for a few hours once in a few days and after driving for 3 hours in traffic jams I really want to push this thing.

1) Am I the only one with no patience? What do you guys do?
2) Since I already haven't followed the break-in instructions, will my car's potential be lower now? I'm pretty frustrated that I'm given a car but with excessive and very restricted instructions on how to drive it and not explained consequences.

I only hope these cars are pre broken-in and the procedure is just a formality, I can't imagine how BMW would allow such a questionable practice of giving a vehicle and for 2000 and 5000 km driving it remotely close to the way it's designed to could result in damage to engine? car explosion? -200 bhp? damage to transmission?

Thanks and sorry for the rant, just wanted to know if I'm the only one and if I'm doing something really wrong. And if I've already damaged my vehicle by driving hard it to redline several times
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      02-28-2012, 04:47 PM   #2
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You would not be alone. I have many family members that are mechanics or mechanically inclined and break-in periods are really a manufacturers way to build in "I told you so" if something breaks. But these are very very well built machines, occasionally enjoying their potential is not going to hurt them long term.
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      02-28-2012, 06:18 PM   #3
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I followed the first 2000 km religiously, but all hell break loose after the break-in service. I have a feeling that u are driving it harder than me even now.
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      02-28-2012, 06:19 PM   #4
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You are NOT alone! I didn“t follow the instructions 100% on my 550ix, and not on my M5 E60 either. The M5 E60 had basically the same restrictions as the F10 M5. I managed to basically follow the brake in for the first 2000km - then used it as it ment to be used.
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      02-29-2012, 11:53 AM   #5
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Must be tough to stick to break in with so much power and rev happy engine.

If you're really worried about results of not sticking to break in procedures the take it on a few long weekend drives to another country. You'll be done with break-in in no time.

Anyone know if the first service after break in unlocks more power?
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      02-29-2012, 12:15 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 09BlkSapphire View Post
Must be tough to stick to break in with so much power and rev happy engine.

If you're really worried about results of not sticking to break in procedures the take it on a few long weekend drives to another country. You'll be done with break-in in no time.

Anyone know if the first service after break in unlocks more power?
After 2000 km manual indicates another break-in period, up to 5000 km where they ask not to exceed 250 km/h (I had ordered M Driver's Package up to 305 in my options) and only use "kickdown" full acceleration for a short period of time, such as when overtaking.

Don't have the manual with me right now.
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      06-16-2013, 11:05 PM   #7
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From page 152 of the manual:

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed 5,500 rpm and 106 mph/170 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the transmission's kickdown mode for the initial miles.

At 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Have drive-in checkup maintenance performed.

From 1,200 miles/2,000 km to 3,100 miles/5,000 km:
The engine and road speed can gradually be increased to a constant speed of
137 mph/220 km/h.
Use the maximum speed of 155 mph/250 km/h only briefly, e.g. when passing.


I wish I could say that I adhered to this but there have been a couple occasions I might have crossed the 106mph barrier.
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File Type: pdf Breaking-In Period.pdf (512.7 KB, 799 views)
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      06-24-2013, 08:16 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 09BlkSapphire View Post
Must be tough to stick to break in with so much power and rev happy engine.

If you're really worried about results of not sticking to break in procedures the take it on a few long weekend drives to another country. You'll be done with break-in in no time.

Anyone know if the first service after break in unlocks more power?
yes, at the break in service they unlock the turbos for more boost I believe
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      06-24-2013, 08:23 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by singularity View Post
Hi,

According to the manual there are 2 break-in procedures.

First is from 0 to 2000 km:
- Avoid using "kickdown" (don't floor the pedal)
- Do not exceed 5500 RPM
- Avoid exceeding 160 km/h (no high speeds)
- Drive at varying speeds

Second is from 2000 to 5000 km:
- Only use "kickdown" when overtaking is needed and for a short time
- Don't exceed 250 km/h

I've driven 540 km so far and I already failed all the above. I've driven it hard to 5500 RPM on at least 15 occasions because I wanted to feel traction, grip, torque and listen to exhaust sound at different speeds. I have used "kickdown" at least 10 times. Especially having raced a 911 Turbo today for 15 minutes non-stop, the lack of grip on a damp road in -3C with summer tires so was annoying to say the least. I am really hoping things will get better on dry and summer weather because it's nearly useless to have so much power if DSC keeps interfering almost EVERY time you push the gas. This is only, but biggest complaint about the car so far.

It's very difficult and near impossible for me to drive this machine like a grandmother for the next 3-5 months. I'm able to drive rarely and when I do, I'm in traffic jams. Needless to say I'm hungry to get in and enjoy the car for a few hours once in a few days and after driving for 3 hours in traffic jams I really want to push this thing.

1) Am I the only one with no patience? What do you guys do?
2) Since I already haven't followed the break-in instructions, will my car's potential be lower now? I'm pretty frustrated that I'm given a car but with excessive and very restricted instructions on how to drive it and not explained consequences.

I only hope these cars are pre broken-in and the procedure is just a formality, I can't imagine how BMW would allow such a questionable practice of giving a vehicle and for 2000 and 5000 km driving it remotely close to the way it's designed to could result in damage to engine? car explosion? -200 bhp? damage to transmission?

Thanks and sorry for the rant, just wanted to know if I'm the only one and if I'm doing something really wrong. And if I've already damaged my vehicle by driving hard it to redline several times
I dont have my m5 yet but i will tell you i will be following bmw's and the other forum members' break in advice to the letter.
It would behoove you to take it a bit easier on the car. I would liken the break in to training a teenager to become an olympian. You can't expect the child to set records when they are first getting their "legs".
Taking the car on a road trip sounds like the ticket: puts mileage on the car and gets you away from the traffic jams u mention.
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      08-29-2013, 12:02 PM   #10
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dont worry i dont think its necessary to really follow,
unless having to track the car on that period will be a problem,

well its kind of more personal,
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      10-14-2013, 11:57 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobafettt View Post
yes, at the break in service they unlock the turbos for more boost I believe
how do they do this? :S
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      10-14-2013, 12:40 PM   #12
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This break in thing is kinda difficult to understand. What is happening between say 1200 and 2000 miles or whatever that hasn't already happened? We're talking thousands of RPM's over the course of 1200 miles....there's more for it to catch it's stride?? The olympian comparison also is hard to apply to a car. It is delivered fully mature. Muscle, bone, ligament, tendon, heart all at it's peak. I can understand a few hundred miles for things to 'settle', parts to wear smooth or whatever and even comprehend the need for keeping it chill until the 1st oil change but this prooooolonged break in is a bit of a challenge.

blah.
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      10-14-2013, 10:06 PM   #13
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If the car were mature, no break in would be required. I changed the oil at 600 miles. Blackstone misplaced the sample. I did my 1200 mi break in at 1600. That blackstone analysis showed 0 metal shavings and in the comments they were quite impressed with the sample stating "looks like this is going to be an excellent engine for you. No contamination or problems found"
Btw, based on their data, f10 m5 owners average 6200 miles between oil changes.
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      10-15-2013, 12:40 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobafettt View Post
If the car were mature, no break in would be required. I changed the oil at 600 miles. Blackstone misplaced the sample. I did my 1200 mi break in at 1600. That blackstone analysis showed 0 metal shavings and in the comments they were quite impressed with the sample stating "looks like this is going to be an excellent engine for you. No contamination or problems found"
Btw, based on their data, f10 m5 owners average 6200 miles between oil changes.

So between 600 miles and 1600 miles, no shavings. Break in complete at 600 then? What if you changed the oil at 300 and no shavings? I'm just trying to understand how it could take so long for things to wear smooth and 'mature'. Why a continued break in beyond 1200 miles with only 'as needed' kick down and no excessive speed? I'm by no means an engine/transmission guru, simply trying to understand.

steve
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      10-15-2013, 08:05 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by savela View Post
So between 600 miles and 1600 miles, no shavings. Break in complete at 600 then? What if you changed the oil at 300 and no shavings? I'm just trying to understand how it could take so long for things to wear smooth and 'mature'. Why a continued break in beyond 1200 miles with only 'as needed' kick down and no excessive speed? I'm by no means an engine/transmission guru, simply trying to understand.

steve
No, the break in should be complete at 1200 miles per BMW.
I change all my cars' oils before 1k because it can only help. I changed my CTS V oil 3 times in the first 1000 miles. Sold it with over 100k miles on it and I never put a drop of "extra" oil in it. I wanted a data point for our cars on the first 600 mile change, but it may not be possible if the sample was lost. It would have been interesting to find out what was in that sample. But at least 1000 miles after that, the sample was pristine. Kudos to German (BMW!) engineering. Per the manual: From 1,200 miles/2,000 km to 3,100 miles/5,000 km The engine and road speed can gradually be increased to a constant speed of 137 mph/220 km/h. Use the maximum speed of 155 mph/250 km/h only briefly, e.g., when passing. This 2nd break in is probably more for our European or track brethren who stress the cars more at these higher speeds. Basically, these recommendations are conservative for preservation of the car in the long run and for legal issues. If we didn't need to follow their recommendations, it wouldn't be in the manual. The Germans are very precise after all.
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      10-16-2013, 12:20 AM   #16
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I guess my point here was that if you had not a speck of metal in your oil after 600 miles, what is actually breaking in beyond then?

I know those Germans are sticklers, it is the Land of Chocolate after all
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      03-23-2014, 07:50 AM   #17
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In my ex E92 M3 , I did break in perķod in about 1 week , yeah , 1 week 2000km , and then pulled hard , and from 3500km , it was hell loose.

in 70.000km i did , Zero problems !

in my new m5 i ordered , im gonna do exactly the same.
Its such a expensive car , u must treat it right.
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      05-19-2014, 04:30 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobafettt View Post
yes, at the break in service they unlock the turbos for more boost I believe
can anyone confirm if this is the case? i'm 800 miles in to my new car and am hoping this be the case, as I remember my M5 loaner (2013 non cp) being punchier, louder and basically quicker than my 2014 cp...

I'm due a longish run in a weeks time of a 700 mile round trip. I already have 800 on the clock. would you get the first running-in service done before the trip showing approx. 900 miles, or after when there's c1600 miles on the clock?

thanks guys
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      05-19-2014, 08:32 AM   #19
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There seems to be some dispute and nobody has provided any definitive evidence. However, personally, I am 100% convinced from what I have read, been told, seen and experienced that it is nothing more than a fluids service.
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