Best Explanation for BMW Break-In Service I've Seen

HotRodM4 · 09-12-2022, 10:48 AM

Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Sounds like BMW uses thin oil for the break-in 1200 mile period for the components to set properly and clean any metal shavings. Essentially get it ready for normal/thicker oil.

///MPhatic · 09-12-2022, 11:28 AM

Makes sense.

meadowsdb · 09-13-2022, 06:02 PM

Been SOP in the racing world for many years. You run a "break-in oil" that is thinner than the regularone. Drive the car under controlled circumstances and it helps shave down all rough parts, seal gaskets and bearings, and go through multiple heat cycles letting the driveline get all settled in. They you flush it, refill it with the correct weight, and let 'er rip!

G30M · 09-13-2022, 09:12 PM

so apart from change engine oil and rear diff oil,

any other diff oils and other oils to change?

nioh_lbbm2 · 09-13-2022, 09:20 PM

I've been saying this on this forum for years. Break in is needed 100%

SpencerC_6MT · 10-25-2022, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G99M5

so apart from change engine oil and rear diff oil,

any other diff oils and other oils to change?

Anything brand new with spinning metal components will wear down the rough edges under initial use. For that reason, I'd also suggest transmission fluid and transfer case if applicable. Do not flush the transmission fully, just let it drain (for the auto).

OUGrad05 · 10-25-2022, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRodM4

Sounds like BMW uses thin oil for the break-in 1200 mile period for the components to set properly and clean any metal shavings. Essentially get it ready for normal/thicker oil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRodM4

Sounds like BMW uses thin oil for the break-in 1200 mile period for the components to set properly and clean any metal shavings. Essentially get it ready for normal/thicker oil.

Why do the cars service lights not recommend a change till more like 8-10k miles?

bcjbmwm3 · 10-25-2022, 01:08 PM

Anyone had issues getting the service done on their g80. Dealer says that diff fluid is not available and don't have an eta. BMW is saying there is a global shortage.

TurboSid · 10-25-2022, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Why do the cars service lights not recommend a change till more like 8-10k miles?

My car told me service needed at 1200 miles. started annoying my at like 400 miles.

slalomfever · 10-25-2022, 01:35 PM

Well made and very informative video!

86Zed · 10-25-2022, 01:48 PM

Completed the service on my own dime at 1,200 miles. Fluids are cheap preventative maintenance

Dgjo2022X5MC · 10-25-2022, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRodM4

Sounds like BMW uses thin oil for the break-in 1200 mile period for the components to set properly and clean any metal shavings. Essentially get it ready for normal/thicker oil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRodM4

Sounds like BMW uses thin oil for the break-in 1200 mile period for the components to set properly and clean any metal shavings. Essentially get it ready for normal/thicker oil.

Why do the cars service lights not recommend a change till more like 8-10k miles?

Car will ask for service at 1200 miles when delivered. Not sure why yours wasn't…someone reset the interval?

BMW won't CPO a car that hasn't been run in properly…e.g. near the 1200.

OUGrad05 · 10-25-2022, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dgjo2022X5MC

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRodM4

Sounds like BMW uses thin oil for the break-in 1200 mile period for the components to set properly and clean any metal shavings. Essentially get it ready for normal/thicker oil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRodM4

Sounds like BMW uses thin oil for the break-in 1200 mile period for the components to set properly and clean any metal shavings. Essentially get it ready for normal/thicker oil.

Why do the cars service lights not recommend a change till more like 8-10k miles?

Car will ask for service at 1200 miles when delivered. Not sure why yours wasn't…someone reset the interval?

BMW won't CPO a car that hasn't been run in properly…e.g. near the 1200.

Maybe it's only on M cars?

Lloydy1980 · 10-25-2022, 01:54 PM

There shouldn't be any rough parts in an M Engine, these are ultra precision made pieces of equipment, the purpose of a running in oil is that it is mineral based with zero additives, it is these additives (found in semi synthetic and fully synthetic oils) that are designed to prevent wear which you don't want in a running in (mineral) oil as this prevents the engine from bedding in properly. If you ran fully synthetic from the get go you'd end up with an engine that won't bed in properly resulting in poor piston ring sealing and increased blow by resulting in oil burn and power losses.

unfoundnemo · 10-25-2022, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Maybe it's only on M cars?

Correct... only M cars that require it.

Not a bad practice to do an extra one anyway if you plan to keep the car long-term.

I had an the oil and diff flushed a second time at 1200 miles in my F92 because they did the break-in service at 300 miles (it was already a year old). I paid out of pocket to have it done because my SA couldn't put it through the maintenance place, but I ended up having BMWNA thanking (reimbursing) me for it.

I would have done it myself in my new m-lite-ish car if I could.

ppointer · 10-25-2022, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Zed

Completed the service on my own dime at 1,200 miles. Fluids are cheap preventative maintenance

Agreed. Didn't even try to get them to cover the oil change. I will have two in before they pay for one.

Edwardsc1 · 10-25-2022, 02:15 PM

"Homeboy" got lucky on his engine replacement. Wish BMW hadn't warrantied it for him just because he was such an idiot.

Great information in this video though! Definitely worth the watch past the ~4 minute mark

G30M · 10-25-2022, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpencerC_6MT

Anything brand new with spinning metal components will wear down the rough edges under initial use. For that reason, I'd also suggest transmission fluid and transfer case if applicable. Do not flush the transmission fully, just let it drain (for the auto).

ok i'll book it in!

Brandt51 · 10-25-2022, 02:24 PM

Another day, another break in procedure thread.

For the record, you are all wrong and my way is the best way. Been doing it for yada yada yada.

Dgjo2022X5MC · 10-25-2022, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dgjo2022X5MC

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRodM4

Sounds like BMW uses thin oil for the break-in 1200 mile period for the components to set properly and clean any metal shavings. Essentially get it ready for normal/thicker oil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRodM4

Sounds like BMW uses thin oil for the break-in 1200 mile period for the components to set properly and clean any metal shavings. Essentially get it ready for normal/thicker oil.

Why do the cars service lights not recommend a change till more like 8-10k miles?

Car will ask for service at 1200 miles when delivered. Not sure why yours wasn't…someone reset the interval?

BMW won't CPO a car that hasn't been run in properly…e.g. near the 1200.

Maybe it's only on M cars?

Yes. Only 'full' M require the 1200 run in service. Not sure of M50i. The owners manual will tell you.

bangerman15 · 10-25-2022, 03:34 PM

Good video.. In the g8x m3/4 Facebook group some of those guys ignore this and rip their cars at around a few hundred mile break in. They were also trolling others for following the recommended break in from BMW M division which, to me, sounds ridiculous not to follow the engineers lol.

Mr.blue · 10-25-2022, 03:35 PM

Some of the information is obvious but I would say that this is a great informational video. It will hopefully quiet some of the naysayers and nonbelievers that say otherwise. Again, great video.

09-12-2022, 10:48 AM	#1
HotRodM4 Captain 930 Rep 786 Posts Drives: 2018 M4 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M4 [10.00]	Best Explanation for BMW Break-In Service I've Seen Featured on BIMMERPOST.com Sounds like BMW uses thin oil for the break-in 1200 mile period for the components to set properly and clean any metal shavings. Essentially get it ready for normal/thicker oil. __________________ ?18 M4 Comp
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09-12-2022, 11:28 AM	#2
///MPhatic Banned 15725 Rep 3,953 Posts Drives: OG M2 • Exige Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [9.22]	Makes sense.
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09-13-2022, 06:02 PM	#3
meadowsdb Private First Class 87 Rep 122 Posts Drives: '23 M3 Comp X-Drive Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Been SOP in the racing world for many years. You run a "break-in oil" that is thinner than the regularone. Drive the car under controlled circumstances and it helps shave down all rough parts, seal gaskets and bearings, and go through multiple heat cycles letting the driveline get all settled in. They you flush it, refill it with the correct weight, and let 'er rip!
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09-13-2022, 09:12 PM	#4
G30M Major General 5655 Rep 5,262 Posts Drives: M550i; retired - M340i Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Australasia iTrader: (0)	so apart from change engine oil and rear diff oil, any other diff oils and other oils to change?
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09-13-2022, 09:20 PM	#5
nioh_lbbm2 Lieutenant Colonel 1725 Rep 1,897 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I've been saying this on this forum for years. Break in is needed 100%
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10-25-2022, 01:08 PM	#8
bcjbmwm3 Second Lieutenant 340 Rep 240 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M340i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: New Lenox, Illinois iTrader: (0)	Anyone had issues getting the service done on their g80. Dealer says that diff fluid is not available and don't have an eta. BMW is saying there is a global shortage. __________________ Current - 2020 G20 M340i Mineral White/Cognac Past - 2016 F22 M235i Dinan S3, 2009 E92 M3, 2010 Nissan 370Z, 2004 E46 330i, 2003 E46 325i, 1999 E46 323i
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10-25-2022, 01:35 PM	#10
slalomfever 1125 Rep 2,158 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (5)	Well made and very informative video!
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10-25-2022, 01:48 PM	#11
86Zed Get off my lawn 983 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: 6MT Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: USA iTrader: (9) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 M40i [10.00] 2011 BMW 135i [10.00] 2007 BMW Z4M Coupe [9.00] 1998 BMW M3 [0.00]	Completed the service on my own dime at 1,200 miles. Fluids are cheap preventative maintenance
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10-25-2022, 01:54 PM	#14
Lloydy1980 Private 36 Rep 70 Posts Drives: BMW F31 Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Stourbridge iTrader: (0)	There shouldn't be any rough parts in an M Engine, these are ultra precision made pieces of equipment, the purpose of a running in oil is that it is mineral based with zero additives, it is these additives (found in semi synthetic and fully synthetic oils) that are designed to prevent wear which you don't want in a running in (mineral) oil as this prevents the engine from bedding in properly. If you ran fully synthetic from the get go you'd end up with an engine that won't bed in properly resulting in poor piston ring sealing and increased blow by resulting in oil burn and power losses.
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10-25-2022, 02:15 PM	#17
Edwardsc1 Second Lieutenant 311 Rep 243 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW M3 Comp Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW E92 M3 [0.00]	"Homeboy" got lucky on his engine replacement. Wish BMW hadn't warrantied it for him just because he was such an idiot. Great information in this video though! Definitely worth the watch past the ~4 minute mark __________________ 2011 E92 M3 Comp - Current 2015 X5 50i - Previous 2011 E92 M3 Comp - Previous 2016 F30 340i - Previous
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10-25-2022, 02:24 PM	#19
Brandt51 Flavor of the month 1059 Rep 856 Posts Drives: BMW F87 M2C Join Date: May 2019 Location: Not Sin City, Nevada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW F87 [9.42]	Another day, another break in procedure thread. For the record, you are all wrong and my way is the best way. Been doing it for yada yada yada. __________________ Samuel of the Internet 2023 F98 X4M Comp 2023 F95 X5M Comp 2020 F87 M2 Comp
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10-25-2022, 03:34 PM	#21
bangerman15 New Member 32 Rep 29 Posts Drives: No bmw yet Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Phoenix iTrader: (0)	Good video.. In the g8x m3/4 Facebook group some of those guys ignore this and rip their cars at around a few hundred mile break in. They were also trolling others for following the recommended break in from BMW M division which, to me, sounds ridiculous not to follow the engineers lol.
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10-25-2022, 03:35 PM	#22
Mr.blue Lieutenant 255 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 2018 M550i Xdrive, 2021 X5M co Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW 760i [9.38] 2021 BMW X5M Compe ... [9.50]	Some of the information is obvious but I would say that this is a great informational video. It will hopefully quiet some of the naysayers and nonbelievers that say otherwise. Again, great video. __________________ Mike
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