[Sabian]

Should be taking delivery on my 35i in the next week or so... that's if there are no delays cause of the flooding going on in the South right now.

So when I get my new X3, I'm wondering is it better to break it in by just everyday driving/commuting, to work, etc. for the first 1200 miles, or is it better to drive on a long trip somewhere and drive for longer periods and stack up initial miles, or does it even matter?

I read the manual it says to take it easy the first 1200 miles but nothing about if longer trips or short drives affect break in.

Any advice? Thanks!

[Beyu]

I'm at 600 miles atm, been just taking it easy, varied engine speed, and nothing above 4.5k rpm.

I don't think long or short drives really matter, just as long as you stack up 1-2k miles. The manual also says not to drive over 100 mph, fight the urge!

[Want the thrill]

I plan on changing the oil at 2,000 miles even though they say you don't have to. Since it's not a lease, I plan on taking care of it!

[mole7374]

Originally Posted by Want the thrill

I plan on changing the oil at 2,000 miles even though they say you don't have to. Since it's not a lease, I plan on taking care of it!

+1

2K miles is when I'm changing....I'm a believer in the "break in" oil change. After that, "technically" many things you read say synthetic is fine once a year but it's personal preference.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Want the thrill

I plan on changing the oil at 2,000 miles even though they say you don't have to. Since it's not a lease, I plan on taking care of it!

I've done that with previous BMWs and might also with this one. It's worth paying about $85 to get the oil changed at the end of the break-in period. Be sure you specify to them to not reset the service interval clock.

As far as break in method, you should just drive the car like normal, but try to vary your speeds and if possible don't drive at the same speed for long periods. Easier said than done for those of us with a highway commute of some distance.

[Powerrunner]

Breaking in the vehicle, from old school, very the speed from 0 to ~2,000 miles. I also plan to change the oil at the first 2,000 miles. Just the old school in me.

[SomeRandomer123]

What are the benefits in changing the oil at 2000 miles?

[Harplayr]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

What are the benefits in changing the oil at 2000 miles?

I’ll defer to an “expert”, but in the past engines came with “break in oil” that would catch the little filings and junk as the engine breaks in. It used to be recommended to change it out after a couple of thousand miles. BMW no longer recommends that and ships cars with synthetic oil that is supposed to last about 15,000 miles.

For many of us “old timers” who have always maintained a practice of doing the first oil change early (to get rid of any junk) we see it as insurance. I can’t see any downside other than the expense of an oil change in doing an early oil change, so I’ll most likely do it too.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by Harplayr

I’ll defer to an “expert”, but in the past engines came with “break in oil” that would catch the little filings and junk as the engine breaks in. It used to be recommended to change it out after a couple of thousand miles. BMW no longer recommends that and ships cars with synthetic oil that is supposed to last about 15,000 miles.

For many of us “old timers” who have always maintained a practice of doing the first oil change early (to get rid of any junk) we see it as insurance. I can’t see any downside other than the expense of an oil change in doing an early oil change, so I’ll most likely do it too.

Ahh, makes sense! It's likely we will be getting an X3 30d next April on lease

[jijioben]

Don't drive at the same RPM and speed all the time - change it and vary it. For that, a long 1200 mile highway trip is not the ideal break-in. everyday driving with the RPM limitations specified in the manual is probably the best. That does not mean you should never go on the highway though: a good mix is always the best. For that reason, cruise control may not be very helpful.

[Radioactive]

Not only I am going to change the oil, but I am going to have them pull the plugs and regap, check the timing, new points, and adjust the rear brake shoes.

[LEDZEP]

Engine oil serves two primary purposes: Lubrication and suspension of contaminents. It is for the latter that many change the oil after the break-in, as initial wear-in of the engine can shave off small particles that will be abrasive if they continue to circulate through the system.

[Sabian]

Hey thanks everyone. Some great tips here for sure.

Looking for every excuse to drive my X3 other than commuting... but I'm sure that won't be a problem I'll probably just drive around my area a ton, explore places I haven't been locally, maybe go on a weekend trip or something, and make sure I drive on and off highway to vary the speed and get some extra miles on it at the start.

This will be my first BMW, but on other new car purchases, I generally follow whatever maintenance program or service recommendations the dealer suggests and have never had a problem. Changing the oil at 2k does make sense though.

Is changing the oil at 2k something the BMW service deptartment is going to go along with or is this something you all do on your own outside of their servicing?

[flash3]

So if I want to fess up the $85 for them to change the oil, what should I be sure to tell them to do and not to do on the service computer?

[mizzou81]

Originally Posted by Radioactive

Not only I am going to change the oil, but I am going to have them pull the plugs and regap, check the timing, new points, and adjust the rear brake shoes.

RadioActive - It might also be wise to have the front wheel bearing repacked. I'll have the mechanic install grease fittings so I can do it my self each spring.

PS Just picked my X3 yesterday here in Connecticut....like it much more than the 2007 X5 I had for a traded-in.

[XB101]

Wish the free maintenance they offer Canadian owners is every 5000 miles and not 15,000.

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by Sabian

Should be taking delivery on my 35i in the next week or so... that's if there are no delays cause of the flooding going on in the South right now.

So when I get my new X3, I'm wondering is it better to break it in by just everyday driving/commuting, to work, etc. for the first 1200 miles, or is it better to drive on a long trip somewhere and drive for longer periods and stack up initial miles, or does it even matter?

I read the manual it says to take it easy the first 1200 miles but nothing about if longer trips or short drives affect break in.

Any advice? Thanks!

NURMBURGRING!

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Engine oil serves two primary purposes: Lubrication and suspension of contaminents. It is for the latter that many change the oil after the break-in, as initial wear-in of the engine can shave off small particles that will be abrasive if they continue to circulate through the system.

+1. I've bought into this. Couldn't hurt, and if it helps, great.

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

NURMBURGRING!

1200 miles straight!

[NYC_340i]

Haha I went on vacation and put 500 miles on my new X3 in 3 days.

[Sabian]

My break in essentially went like this. First 800 miles I drove a lot around locally, cruising neighborhoods, commuting to work etc varying the speed a lot, car was brand new and I couldn't stop driving it and still can't for that matter... any excuse and I'm driving it! Then after about 800 miles, I went on a short trip that put it at around 1500 miles total after that. Right now I'm well over 1800 and have to make a small trip tomorrow that will definately put it over the 2k mark...

Thinking of changing the oil when I get back based off of feedback on this forum, figure it can't hurt but also personally think it's probably fine to also go by the recommended maintenance. Since the car is new and clean, it will feel good to know the engine is clean as well.

Thanks again everyone for the feedback!

[XB101]

I am sure lot of you are way past break in now. Have you taken your vehicle pass 5000 or 6000 rpm? Near redline? Before snow falls I like to rev the car and get things loosen up. If I drive very gently during break in how would the adoptive learning behave?