Break in required?

[iwanna300c]

Does the owners manual state anything about a break in period? If so, what does it say?

Thanks - Joshua

[SRT8/BMW]

Originally Posted by iwanna300c

Does the owners manual state anything about a break in period? If so, what does it say?

Thanks - Joshua

I have not read the entire thing, but so far nothing about a break in period. The designer, Ralph Gilles, was online here and said his seemed to "break-in" around 5000-6000 miles, and perform even better. Who knows. When I picked mine up, the prep manager, who was a car buff, said to not drive it too hard, or too easy, and vary the speeds so I would not get any flat spots.

Obviously I have not timed it yet, but I have pushed mine very hard off the line. My old car would do 0-60 in 5.7 -6.0 depending on variables...this car is WAYYYYYYYY faster than that, and I can tell that just by feel. And again, that is being pushed hard, but not nearly to the limit. I am going to "best guess " that when fully broken in, this car will do 0-60 consistently under 5 seconds (maybe well under) and a quarter in 13 or better. It is that fast and effortless..

[300C4ME]

Originally Posted by iwanna300c

Does the owners manual state anything about a break in period? If so, what does it say?

Look at you, Mr. My-New-Car-Is-Gonna-Be-Here-Soon so I better determine what break-in parameters should be followed!!!!

Some of us are not in D1 status and don't have an estimated ship date yet; no need to remind us.

[5point7]

The only break-in advice I can give is the same I did....Drive it like you stole it!

[Rambit]

Page 56 of the SRT8 Owners Manual states:

"A long break-in period is not required for the engine in your new vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km.) After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km), are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in. Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avioded."

Rambit

[SRT8/BMW]

Originally Posted by Rambit

Page 56 of the SRT8 Owners Manual states:

"A long break-in period is not required for the engine in your new vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km.) After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km), are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in. Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avioded."

Rambit

"full throttle"....hmmmmm.............ooops

[Model 57]

Well, I don't have an SRT-8 coming, just an '06 300C, but I am going out of state for it. The dealers here just were too greedy. I will have about a 350 mile drive home.
It is my understanding that you just don't want to keep it at any certain speeds for very long. Keep varying it. I just plan to use the cruise control, and set it at various speeds every once in a while.
Anybody have any ideas on doing this? How long should I plan on staying at a given speed, before changing it? I'm thinking that 10min. at a given speed should be OK. Then change it.
This is something that I should plan out, or plan to do before I make the trip to pick it up. I still have plenty of time, about 3 months before I'll be making this trip. But you don't need to wait till the last minute.

[Rambit]

Originally Posted by SRT8/BMW

"full throttle"....hmmmmm.............ooops

Yeah, I know...me too!

Rambit

[M3SMG02]

Originally Posted by Rambit

Page 56 of the SRT8 Owners Manual states:

"A long break-in period is not required for the engine in your new vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km.) After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km), are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in. Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avioded."

Rambit

I would also add that the Break In Parameters should be followed, because I'll bet that ALL engine activity is recorded in the car's memory, like my BMW M3. I've heard of warranty claims DENIED by BMW for Blown Engines because the owners over revved the engine and bounced off the Rev Limiter too many times. Yes, I have one of those S54 M3's, although mine is just fine.

Anyways, just a hunch, but, I would AVOID WOTs during the break in period, if anything to contribute to a good break in.

LJB

[iwanna300c]

Originally Posted by Model 57

Well, I don't have an SRT-8 coming, just an '06 300C, but I am going out of state for it. The dealers here just were too greedy. I will have about a 350 mile drive home.
It is my understanding that you just don't want to keep it at any certain speeds for very long. Keep varying it. I just plan to use the cruise control, and set it at various speeds every once in a while.
Anybody have any ideas on doing this? How long should I plan on staying at a given speed, before changing it? I'm thinking that 10min. at a given speed should be OK. Then change it.
This is something that I should plan out, or plan to do before I make the trip to pick it up. I still have plenty of time, about 3 months before I'll be making this trip. But you don't need to wait till the last minute.

No. Don't use the cruise control at all. Take the car out one night and cruise around on side roads (preferrably mountain). This way you'll be stopping, starting, accelerating, deccelerating, and cruising at different speeds. I have it in my head that this is the best way for an engine to experience a wide range of conditions. After the 300 miles (I'll wait for 500) I'm going to change the oil and then start romping on it.