[flash3]

So I am in the process of relocation from Charlotte, NC to South Florida. I currently have ~700 miles on my 4 month old X3 and wanted to know when I make the 750 mile drive in a few weeks time, is there anything I need to consider, do, be aware of?

I know I can't use cruise control until 1200 miles, right?

[Nahoa]

700 miles in 4 months?! Ha! We clearly use our cars differently!! Related to the cruise control bit, I think you'll want to avoid long periods at constant speed or rpm.

[flash3]

Yeah, I need to drive it more and want to - but I've been traveling a lot for work, so it's been in my garage.

I am going to do a lot of high way driving, so when altering speeds, I am thinking 60 for a little while and then 65 and then back to 55/60 a little while after. Thoughts?

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by flash3

So I am in the process of relocation from Charlotte, NC to South Florida. I currently have ~700 miles on my 4 month old X3 and wanted to know when I make the 750 mile drive in a few weeks time, is there anything I need to consider, do, be aware of?

I know I can't use cruise control until 1200 miles, right?

Just check the tire pressures (35F/38R works pretty well in a X3 w/245/50's, for a nice handling/comfort compromise) and drive it. Keep the revs. below 4500 when passing or merging. Also, watch out for the cops in Georgia! The X3 cruses so effortlessly at 70-75 mph (like most BMWs), it's exceedingly easy to temp the fates.

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by flash3

Yeah, I need to drive it more and want to - but I've been traveling a lot for work, so it's been in my garage.

I am going to do a lot of high way driving, so when altering speeds, I am thinking 60 for a little while and then 65 and then back to 55/60 a little while after. Thoughts?

That's what I was thinking but all a good 10 mph low . . .

[flash3]

Lotus - Yeah the cops in GA are annoying. They hide in every corner and radio their buddy to nail you. I've heard stories from friends. Thanks for the heads up.

Nahoa - Thanks for the info as well

When is the car "broken in" where I can use cruise control and be able to drive it like it's meant to be?

[Penso di no]

It came with an owner's manual, right? Page 120 if I recall.

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by flash3

Lotus - Yeah the cops in GA are annoying. They hide in every corner and radio their buddy to nail you. I've heard stories from friends. Thanks for the heads up.

Nahoa - Thanks for the info as well

When is the car "broken in" where I can use cruise control and be able to drive it like it's meant to be?

A lot of owners seem to get away with subscribing to the philosophy that's it's best to break in a car the way you're going to be driving it most of the time. In other words just drive it and don't worry about it. I'm a little more conservative and have followed BMW's recommendation: Keep it below 4500 for the first 1200 miles and avoid long periods at any constant rpms.. After that I gradually increased the occasional peak revs. until I was hitting the redline at full throttle around 2000miles. Since then it's "Drive it like you stole it"!

[flash3]

Drive it like you stole it?

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by flash3

Drive it like you stole it?

Except, of course, when Mrs. Lotus7 is in the car.

[flash3]

*WHIPPED*

[02420X3]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

A lot of owners seem to get away with subscribing to the philosophy that's it's best to break in a car the way you're going to be driving it most of the time. In other words just drive it and don't worry about it. I'm a little more conservative and have followed BMW's recommendation: Keep it below 4500 for the first 1200 miles and avoid long periods at any constant rpms.. After that I gradually increased the occasional peak revs. until I was hitting the redline at full throttle around 2000miles. Since then it's "Drive it like you stole it"!

One way that I've varied the RPMs has been by making my city/highway commute to/from work in Normal mode on one day, and Sport mode the next. I've done the same on short road trips, the trip out in Normal, the return in Sport. Does that make sense as part of a break-in routine?

I'm hoping to get some mountain driving in later this month, which should be towards the end of my break-in period.

"Drive it like you stole it" is something that I expect to be doing at the end of the month. There's this one particularly annoying on-ramp to an interstate that would benefit greatly from Sport mode and a heavy foot...

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by 02420X3

One way that I've varied the RPMs has been by making my city/highway commute to/from work in Normal mode on one day, and Sport mode the next. I've done the same on short road trips, the trip out in Normal, the return in Sport. Does that make sense as part of a break-in routine?

I'm hoping to get some mountain driving in later this month, which should be towards the end of my break-in period.

"Drive it like you stole it" is something that I expect to be doing at the end of the month. There's this one particularly annoying on-ramp to an interstate that would benefit greatly from Sport mode and a heavy foot...

Sounds Good! Getting a new X3 and trying to follow the break in procedure like a good alter boy is a real exercise in self restraint.

I LOVE the state provided skid pads.. oops! I mean cloverleaf on-ramps.

[96_Impreza]

Our '07 Vette had a 500 mile OEM break-in regimen. Same story as BMW, vary service cycle, no hard acceleration, no hard stops, no paddle-shifting at red-line. I spent a week cruising ABQ city streets mixed with round trips to Santa Fe on 75 mph I-25 where at 80 mph you could be shunted by a trash truck, 40 mph I-25 frontage roads and walking-speed casino parking lots. Drove 500 miles that week and didn't go anywhere.

[flash3]

Given I will be driving a good 700 miles down south on the highway, what are some good options to protect rock chips and other debris from hitting the paint and chipping it?

Also, what can I do for the bugs? Any nets you guys recommend?

[greg2step]

if u are only driving 60 MPH please get out of the left lane

[flash3]

Originally Posted by greg2step

if u are only driving 60 MPH please get out of the left lane

no!

[Penso di no]

Originally Posted by flash3

no!

I live in Washington. This makes me sad.

[LEDZEP]

I used my CC on the way home from taking delivery, and every day since. Why do you think you need to wait? That is just silly.

[flash3]

The dealer informed me to use the CC after the break in period, not before. Is he wrong?

[Want the thrill]

At PCD they also tell you not to use cruise control until after the break in period. I *think* it also says that in book as well.

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by flash3

Given I will be driving a good 700 miles down south on the highway, what are some good options to protect rock chips and other debris from hitting the paint and chipping it?

Also, what can I do for the bugs? Any nets you guys recommend?

Good eyesight, a good left-right twitch, and fine throttle control . . . and be in front of anything that could throw you a rock!