[dbs600]

For those who advocate that 'hard break-in' prevents oil consumption problems of engines that leak or burn oil, please explain what 'hard break-in' is, whether it must be done when the car is new (or if it can be accomplished at any point in a car's life), whether it involves the legal operation of a vehicle (without breaking any laws) and how you came to learn that same must be done to have a properly functioning engine with normal [read: no] oil consumption. Also, are there any notices or warnings to customers that problems will occur if a 'hard break-in' is not performed? Thank you!

[535DMSport]

If it would be good, don't you think BMW would put it in their manual?

Follow the manual instructions and you will be fine.

[dbs600]

Originally Posted by 535DMSport

If it would be good, don't you think BMW would put it in their manual?

Follow the manual instructions and you will be fine.

Agreed, but some state BMW acknowledges that 'hard break-in' must be done to prevent problems...

[Gilgorm]

Sorry, but to me a hard break-in seems the exact opposite of what should be done. The manual does not encourage a hard break-in.

[dbs600]

Originally Posted by Gilgorm

Sorry, but to me a hard break-in seems the exact opposite of what should be done. The manual does not encourage a hard break-in.

Hmm; I don't know; this is all very confusing!

Note the comments on this thread:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=9312640

[493263]

The only hard break-in I've seen is from the M5 forums. They claim it helps the valves seat right and reduce excessive oil consumption later.

I don't know how much of that is true so I'd stick with the manual.

[BMWrules7]

Originally Posted by 535DMSport

If it would be good, don't you think BMW would put it in their manual?

Follow the manual instructions and you will be fine.

Not really. BMW's break in methodology is geared toward safety and not toward preventing the creation of an oil burner.

The break in BMW recommends is designed to have you drive moderately. This way if a component fails, it's less likely to cause injury.

Yet, driving hard during the break in will reduce your chances of having an oil burner.

Given the fact that BMW won't bat an eyelash unless you're consuming 1 quart in less than 750 miles, you should heed the advice on this topic and prevent that oil burner from being born.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by BMWrules7

Not really. BMW's break in methodology is geared toward safety and not toward preventing the creation of an oil burner.

The break in BMW recommends is designed to have you drive moderately. This way if a component fails, it's less likely to cause injury.

Yet, driving hard during the break in will reduce your chances of having an oil burner.

Given the fact that BMW won't bat an eyelash unless you're consuming 1 quart in less than 750 miles, you should heed the advice on this topic and prevent that oil burner from being born.

Safety as in new tires and brakes? Those usually brakes in within 200 to 300 miles. If safety was BMW's concern, the break in period should be 300 miles and not 1200 miles.