[eljockvis]

hi all
ive justhad a brand new engine fitted to my e39 m5 under warranty
also new clutch and flywheel,whats the best method of runningin a new m power engine?any tips would be appreciated!

[Sirius]

Not sure of the specfic requirements for that engine, but I would say keep it under at least 6,000 rpms for the first 1,200 miles. Vary your speed and engine speed quite often too.

[Shadowman]

Originally Posted by eljockvis

hi all
ive justhad a brand new engine fitted to my e39 m5 under warranty
also new clutch and flywheel,whats the best method of runningin a new m power engine?any tips would be appreciated!

Good questions, and even more important it is the right time ask.

First of all I gather that you had an OEM clutch and flywheel installed in which case it is a dual mass flywheel mated to a fixed disk clutch. The break in for most clutches particularly an organic is numerous cycles without excessive heat. Meaning you want to drive the car 4-500 miles during which time regularly shifting. This will allow the two surfaces to get to know each other…..like holding hands and during this process a small amount of material transfer will occur. When you leave a static position engage the clutch quickly with minimal slippage.

Now to the biggie…….a new heart. The E39 motors as was described when delivered new in the M5’s like a long methodical break in. In fact it can take the better part of 25-3000 miles to complete this process.

Again, methodical use of the car is very important. Initially, for the first 1200 miles I would recommend that the RPM’s are limited to 4000 RPM maximum in any gear, but equally important you do not want to lug the motor…. Keep it in the modest power band between 22-4000 RPM. You will also want to vary the RPM regularly. Meaning if you decide to do much of the break in while cruising then drive at 65 MPH for a few miles, then 55 MPH for a few miles and then up to 70 MPH for awhile. Yes, this process can be a PITA but the resulting longevity and associated performance will rewards you with miles of smiles.

After the initial 1200 miles have been driven then slowly increase the activity level of the motor……now bring the RPM’s up another 500 RPM to a maximum of 4500 for the next 500 miles, in addition you can become slightly more aggressive with go pedal, then bring them up again to a maximum of 5000 RPM for the next 500 miles. Then when you reach the 2500 mile mark stretch her legs a few times and bring the RPM close to the 6000 RPM maximum.

It is important to ramp up the activity and the cycle the loading of the motor during the break in process. The proper seating of the rings, bearings, etc are all being addressed during this period. By cycling the activity it will eliminate glazing of the cylinders as well as the developing of a ridge below the operating RPM of the motor.

Now last but not least……….”change the oil and filter”. For me, after the initial 1200 maximum this is a must, fresh BMW 10-60……then I recommend changing it every 5-7000 miles thereafter. Yes, this is more often than required and recommended by BMW however I have long believed that the service schedules they solicit (as well as all other Marques) has more to do with their advertised per mile operating cost, the fact that most new cars come with free service built into the initial purchase price not to mention the fact that they desire to sell new cars every few years.

I hope this helps.

Enjoy your car.

Shadowman

[Sirius]

Nice Shadowman. That should be pinned for future reference.

[Roadrunner]

wow. detailed answer.

[Rob's Archive]

Well crap...i flat out floored mine within the first week of having it. Oh well..maybe thats why those crank bearings let go some 20K miles later and after having some 70 extra hp added to her.

[Sirius]

Lol Rob....

[Rob's Archive]

BILL-----READ CAREFULLY

I will not treat my new SC62 engine the same way...

[Sirius]

I have heard of M5 engines eating quarts of oil in a weeks period, could the be because of a poor breakin process?

[Ninja K]

Originally Posted by Sirius

I have heard of M5 engines eating quarts of oil in a weeks period, could the be because of a poor breakin process?

Full synth oils tend to burn quicker, I believe the S62 requires fully synth oils, but don't quote me on that.