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

[Jimjamz]

I'm the same as some here. I followed break-in procedures and do a full oil change every 6 months even if I'm paying. Touch wood, with this approach I've never had an engine issue on a S55 after 80,000 km driving in my last two S55 cars (F80 and F87 CS).

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by Dgjo2022X5MC

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.

None of my new BMWs service displays have ever asked for oil change until around 10k...!!

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by nozydog

None of my new BMWs service displays have ever asked for oil change until around 10k...!!

Sounds like you've never had an M car.

Aside from the break-in service. I have never made it to 10k miles in any of my BMWs with CBS. On the SUVs, it's been around 7500, on the last M car (F92), the car had 7 total services in 18,000 miles and 18 months... All covered under the normal maintenance plan due to CBS (well except for 1 that was reimbursed). They were throwing unopened cabin filters and key fob batteries at me every other service since they were only a couple months apart.

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

Sounds like you've never had an M car.

Aside from the break-in service. I have never made it to 10k miles in any of my BMWs with CBS. On the SUVs, it's been around 7500, on the last M car (F92), the car had 7 total services in 18,000 miles and 18 months... All covered under the normal maintenance plan due to CBS (well except for 1 that was reimbursed). They were throwing unopened cabin filters and key fob batteries at me every other service since they were only a couple months apart.

Correct! All were standard petrol E90/92 & F30s. Although my current X2 with M performance engine seems to have only had one at 10k. So maybe it's only true M cars the run-in oil change applies to!

[BMWFanBoi]

Is this also true for the new 2023 X7 M60i LCI? I am looking to purchase this vehicle and it will mark my first luxury vehicle.


I do know it has a S68 engine which is a true new M engine. There is also a power reduction until the first ~310 miles.

[N54B30A]

I changed my oil again at 5k on my s55 and tore apart the filter and there was still some light metal. I'd recommend an additional change after the 1200 mile breakin oil change since the 10k recommendation is a bit too far out.

[TractionControlDelete]

Originally Posted by nozydog

Correct! All were standard petrol E90/92 & F30s. Although my current X2 with M performance engine seems to have only had one at 10k. So maybe it's only true M cars the run-in oil change applies to!

That's what the technician on the video says - only for M cars.

[Eddie2315]

Originally Posted by MarcusM117

Hearing the same. I assume there isn't an aftermarket diff fluid that they will substitute?

i just had my break in service 2 weeks ago and didn't hear about any shortages. i dropped my car off around 1pm and picked it up around 7pm

[Kevinbm235i]

If break in wasn't needed, why would BMW add the break in service cost to their bottom line for every M car made? What would be the benefit to them?

[Kevinbm235i]

Originally Posted by backslashv

free ? Ain't nothing free. You've already paid for it with the car.

Maybe so, but if unnecessary they could do away with it and pocket the extra money

[Anderson11]

On my current M2C after the 1200 mile service I changed the oil again at 5k. The free 10k by the dealer and then again by me at 15k. A complete oil kit (S58) is $115.00 at Bimmerzone. Oil changes on the F87 take about an hour. The S58 is a little more involved but still quite easy. 5k oil change intervals are cheap insurance.

[W///]

Originally Posted by Jimjamz

I'm the same as some here. I followed break-in procedures and do a full oil change every 6 months even if I'm paying. Touch wood, with this approach I've never had an engine issue on a S55 after 80,000 km driving in my last two S55 cars (F80 and F87 CS).

To be honest, I think 6 month is pretty overkill. I'm very particular regarding oil changes with my S65 (which is known for rod bearing issues) and always send in oil samples. I almost never reach the mileage, but do change it once a year usually, and the oil always comes back squeaky clean. Unless you're doing a lot of short trips, then maybe that would make sense.

[supralex]

Meanwhile owner of 992 gt3's ...
break in what ?

[Jimjamz]

Originally Posted by W///

To be honest, I think 6 month is pretty overkill. I'm very particular regarding oil changes with my S65 (which is known for rod bearing issues) and always send in oil samples. I almost never reach the mileage, but do change it once a year usually, and the oil always comes back squeaky clean. Unless you're doing a lot of short trips, then maybe that would make sense.

Good to know. I do about 7k miles a year, so not huge numbers, but not a garage queen either.

[SimsimmaM3]

Originally Posted by bcjbmwm3

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.

This happened to me in early October. They changed the oil and then I went back a week and a half later when they got the diff fluid in stock.

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Maybe it's only on M cars?

Haha. Before BMW started paying for maintenance, ALL models got the 1200-mile service. Suddenly that magically changed the instant they started paying for it.

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by MrOhnoez

I know before the break in on my M2C, it was so difficult to shift smoothly perhaps attributed to the diff fluid, it literally looked like sandy oil coming out. Once it was done, it shifted like butter.

The diff fluid change made your car shift smoother??

[MrOhnoez]

Originally Posted by KevinC

The diff fluid change made your car shift smoother??

Can't explain it, but it sure shifted like shit and was very clunky initially.

[GaoKS]

Originally Posted by KevinC

The diff fluid change made your car shift smoother??

[ACTX]

I don’t have experience with M competition but in general never, for any reason, crack the transfer case of an AWD vehicle. Just a warning for those reading the thread that don’t realize the subject is full M.

[DO444]

Originally Posted by ACTX

I don’t have experience with M competition but in general never, for any reason, crack the transfer case of an AWD vehicle. Just a warning for those reading the thread that don’t realize the subject is full M.

Yea idk about these kinda threads.
One time I asked my service advisor to give me a higher weight oil because of some stuff I read on here and he didn’t want to do it, said it wasn’t the right oil.

I persisted and he relented but said… it’s your car, I guess.
Well, car drove like absolute shit. Like I put mud in the engine.
Brought it back, apologized and never do I question the SA again.
They know better than I do.
Not sure about some of the advice I see here, but if it conflicts with BMW… BMW wins.

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by 86Zed

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

most of the people buying these cars cant even change their own oil