I know it's been discussed before but I had trouble finding the thread. I pick my car up tomorrow and was wondering what the break in period is? Am I supposed to keep it under a certain RPM or MPH? I've heard you are supposed to vary the speed to work in the gears. Then I hear of some owners picking their MINIs up far away from their homes and driving many highway miles on the return trip. Could this hurt the vehicle since your not varying the speed much on the highway? Thanks for your help in advance.

 

I wrote to miniusa.com on this before I got my MINI. Here is their reply to me.

"To ensure that your vehicle provides maximum economy throughout a long service life, we request that you comply with the following break-in procedures for the engine, tires, brake system and clutch (if applicable):


Engine


Up to 1200 miles: Attempt to constantly vary both vehicle and engine speed during these initial miles while remembering to avoid engine speeds in excess of 4500 rpm and/or vehicle speeds of over 95 mph. Absolutely, avoid using the full-throttle or kickdown position for the accelerator. Once you have driven 1200 miles both the engine and vehicle speed can be gradually increased.


Tires


Due to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not achieve their full traction potential until after an initial break-in period. We therefore ask you to drive with extra care during the first 200 miles.


Brake System


Approximately 300 miles must be driven before the brake pads and rotors achieve the optimum pad-surface and wear patterns required for trouble-free operation and an extended service life.


Clutch


Roughly 300 miles must be driven before the clutch starts to operate at optimum efficiency. Remember to engage the clutch carefully during this initial period.


Hopefully there is plenty of time before that vacation to make sure your MINI is broken in and ready for anything. Please stay in touch with us at http://www.miniusa.com.


LET'S MOTOR.


James Frost
MINI Division
Customer Relations "

 

Blimey,
The dealer will go over this with you as they will walk you through the features of the car and is also stated in the owners manual (which you can download now from the Mini site). Basically, you need to keep the revs below 4500 rpm's and you will need to vary the speed while driving for the first 1200 miles. When driving home on the freeway, I would just vary the speed every 5 minutes or so between 55 to 70 mph (you might even change to a lower gear when at a slower speed). It really isn't that hard to keep the revs down IMO.

 

I just finished my 1200 miles today (2 weeks after getting the car). It was fairly easy to keep within the factory recommendations. Even driving on the autobahn I was able to vary the speed from 70 - 90 and vary between 5th & 6th gear without coming close to exceeding the 4500 RPM limit. Actually you can hit 115 mph in 6th and the tach will be between 4,000 and 4,500 (done after 1250 miles).

Good luck and motor on!!!

 

Thanks for the info everybody. :smile:

Very informative.

 

The first 1200 is probably the most critical you'll drive. By the book and your Mini will have a long, happy life.

 

I'll tell you what. I'm at 750 miles and I am getting incredible fuel mileage!! at 75 MPGs running 89 octane, Cooper S fully loaded (3-packages and nav system) I am getting 31-35 MPG with the Automatic Airconditioner set at 74F. I can't believe it! My Miata would get 27 at best under these conditions.

 

Just picked up my(it's my wife's now, funny how that happened.), Chili Red, red top S, premium, sport with black mirrors and black leather. We put about a 100 miles on it yesterday, it rained a lot today but we did get out for a short drive. At this rate it will take about two weeks to get to the break in period (1200 miles). I am being a very good boy and not going over 4k, well maybe hit 4500 once, and am getting tired of letting the boy racers zip away in their focuses, GTI ect. Soon, very soon.