What is the Recommended Break-In Approach?

[SailorMan]

Now driving a week-old '09 Cabrio. The dealer's advice on break-in period (don't use manual trans for 3,000 miles, for example) was at odds with the Operating Manual (1,000 miles of driving with care).

What's the accepted wisdom on intelligent break-in?

Thanks.

[babybenz]

break in 1000-1500 miles and I changed my oil and filter at 1500 after it was broken in

[jetfuel]

...seat belt on..get it going and have fun...easy on the gears and just a hair over 2/3 of power (about 70-73 mph) for constant speed and it will do just fine...


jetfuel

[JPaul]

Vary conditions as often as possible. Limit to a maximum of 2/3 of full power when possible. Avoid, if possible, single miles hops while your odometer is in the double digits. Don't stay for extended period of time at the same speed, same environment. I.e. don't do lengthy interstate trips at 65 MPH.

Progressively ask more from the engine as you built up miles.
And enjoy the fun!

All the above IMHO.

[smartHHO]

LOL, don't use manual until after 3k miles. WTF. I was told to take her easy the first 1k miles. No over 2/3 and what not. I was told to have fun and use the manual shifting if I wanted to, but don't use the downshift to slow the car. OMG what kind of dealer has you totally go slow the first 3k miles. Heck, it's under warranty. It breaks they fix, with in reason.

[Smart_Dude]

The wife drove hers fairly mundane... about 1/2 throttle for what seemed a bazillion miles... auto only... no downshifting… sloooow deceleration... blinkers on, headlights on, etc. Driving Miss Daisy was a speed demon compared to my wife. However, she's got about 2,000 miles on it and I have to admit, her Smart runs very nice.

On the flip-side, my Cabriolet is cool - DTH exhaust, chrome package, triple black, Pioneer Nav audio, Poineer speakers, custom leather seats, etc. This car's outfitted to be driven with the top down and my hair on fire as much as it’s supposed to be seen... well, at least within the confines of a little 3-cylinder engine.

Dealer said no more than 2/3 throttle for first 500 miles. My driving excitement and cool factor overran the dealer's logic at about 125 miles. Got ~900 miles on the engine now. I rev it up pretty good (have the tack/clock combo installed) but always watch the tach. I've had zero problems and the engine sounds/performs as awesome at 80-mph as it does at idle. (For reference, I normally drive a MB SL600 (V-12).)

Seriously though, I would recommend no more than 2/3 throttle for the first 500 miles. Change the oil at this point. Try to limit highway speeds to no more than 70 mph (self-control IS required here). I'd stick with auto ONLY for the first 200 miles of city driving (the transmission computer needs to be 'taught' through your driving habits), manual shifting after that. No manual downshifting past 1 gear (i.e.: 5-to-3, 4-to-2, 3-to-1), meaning downshift completely, one gear at a time. Above all, use bloody common sense and take it easy… at least for a while! Hell, you're in San Diego... have fun in the sun, dude!

Cheers,
Jeff

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by Smart_Dude

... common sense ...
Jeff

...if it is so common, how is it that not everybody has it?

jetfuel

[Smart_Dude]

Also run premium fuel in the car. Whatever you do, do this one aspect. Often times, people overlook the importance of fuel during the break-in period.

Note: I am *not* trying to start yet another regular vs. premium discussion. Only trying to point out that during the break-in period - just like a toddler growing - they need the ideal life-supporting stuff available to grow properly.

Of course, when the car and us humans reach our teens, that logic just seems to go out the window. Well... it did for me, at least!

Cheers,
Jeff