Breaking in period----Opinions

I have 285 miles on the new Z4 35i. My client advisor told me not to get to crazy with it for about 500 miles, but this afternoon I read on page 106 in my manual not to exceed 4500 rpm for 1200 mles. It also says dont exceed 100 mph for that same distance. Im not concerned about the mph but the 4500 rpm sure caught my attention. Would any of the veteran Z4 owners care to share their opinions on this?

Having taken delivery of several new BMWs in Germany where one can easily exceed 100 or even 140 mph, here is the deal.

For the first 1200 miles you should do the following:

1. Do not drive at a steady speed or rpm.
2. Vary your speed and rpms but do not exeed 4500 rpms or accelerate using full throttle.
3. You have already exceeded 250 miles so both your tires and brakes should already be broken in.

After 1200 miles, feel free to drive it like you stole it. Many also feel that an oil and filter change on your dime is worthwhile at about 2500 miles although BMW does not feel it is necessary.

Happy Motoring.

+1 for what Randall said especially if you own the car and plan on keeping it.

I eased my around the "ring" during the breakin period and waited for the obligitory 1200 miles before cranking it up to 140 mph on the autobahn one beautiful day during our ED.

Originally Posted by rmorin49

Having taken delivery of several new BMWs in Germany where one can easily exceed 100 or even 140 mph, here is the deal.

For the first 1200 miles you should do the following:

1. Do not drive at a steady speed or rpm.
2. Vary your speed and rpms but do not exeed 4500 rpms or accelerate using full throttle.
3. You have already exceeded 250 miles so both your tires and brakes should already be broken in.

After 1200 miles, feel free to drive it like you stole it. Many also feel that an oil and filter change on your dime is worthwhile at about 2500 miles although BMW does not feel it is necessary.

Happy Motoring.

Has my thumbs up! I did change the oil/filter at 4k, and have done so at the midpoint on every new car I've owned. Never a problem (knock on wood!).

We've followed the owner's manual break-in instructions for every new BMW we've owned. I recommend you do the same.

Thank you all for the info.

Originally Posted by HerrK

I eased my around the "ring" during the breakin period and waited for the obligitory 1200 miles before cranking it up to 140 mph on the autobahn one beautiful day during our ED.

The goal of all my ED's is to get through break in period to go have fun. Last time we put down 3k miles.