Let BMW show you how to properly break in your new M3 Touring

It is best to keep the car under low loads while varying engine and vehicle speed for the first few thousand miles

for Andrew Gutman

February 13, 2023 at 11:35 am

Modern cars are more advanced than ever and therefore usually require less finesse to operate than older cars. However, they’re still mechanical machines, machines that need to be broken in, and BMW shows us exactly how to do that in its latest video.

The video is aimed at tearing apart the drivetrains of their high-performance M cars (and features a gorgeous all-black M3 Touring as the star of the show), but the practices they preach are quite applicable to other vehicles as well. Following these tips will not only protect your engine from damage early on, but also help extend its life in the long run.

Read more: Porsche teaches us how to take quality car photos with our smartphones

See also: MINI wants to help US drivers learn to drive a stick

For the first 1,000 km (620 miles) of your car’s life, BMW recommends driving at alternating engine and vehicle speeds, while making sure not to exceed 5,000 rpm or 170 km/h (105 mph). It is also best to avoid any situation that puts the engine under a high load, even if it is within the mentioned speed and RPM limits. This includes things like hard gear changes and launch control.

From these first 1,000 km to 2,000 km (620 to 1,240 miles), driving with alternating engine and vehicle speeds is still recommended, but the suggested limits are slightly more lenient at 6,000 rpm and 210 km/h (130 mph). BMW also encourages you to avoid full engine load in first, second and third gear. Once the car reaches 2,000 km (1,240 miles), it’s time to take it in for its first service, after which it should be ready to be driven to the max.

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Modern cars are more advanced than ever, and as such, tend to require less finesse to operate than older cars used to. However, they’re still mechanical machines, machines that need to be broken in, and BMW shows us how to do exactly that in their latest video. "
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The video is directed towards breaking in the drivetrains of their high-performance M cars (and features a lovely all-black M3 Touring as the star of the show), but the practices they preach are quite applicable to other vehicles as well. Abiding by these tips will not only protect your engine from damage in the beginning but should also help to extend its life in the long run."
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Read More: Porsche Teaches Us How To Take Quality Car Photos With Our Smartphones"
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See also: MINI wants to help US drivers learn to drive a stick"
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For the first 1,000 km (620 miles) of your car's life, BMW recommends driving at alternating engine and vehicle speeds, while making sure not to exceed 5,000 rpm or 170 km/h (105 mph).  It is also best to avoid any situation that puts the engine under a high load, even if it is within the mentioned speed and RPM limits.  This includes things like hard gear changes and launch control.”
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From these first 1,000 km to 2,000 km (620 to 1,240 miles), driving with alternating engine and vehicle speeds is still recommended, but the suggested limits are slightly more lenient at 6,000 rpm and 210 km/h (130 mph).  BMW also encourages you to avoid full engine load in first, second and third gear.  Once the car reaches 2,000 km (1,240 miles), it's time to take it in for its first service, after which it should be ready to be driven to its fullest.”
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