Does this event have to take place @ 1200 miles or can it be done at 1500 ?


I just recieved my new M3 Couple Imola Red. Wonderful Car. People worry too much about this car. I will always own an M3 from now on. The first time I drove an M3 was when I picked up mine on Saturday. I had to wait a whole week due to a business trip before I pick it up. You should have seen all the finger prints on the windows when I got there. The mannual shifter is fine when compared to my old 528 shifter. No rattles. Looks good with my bike rake on it. I live at 7000 feet. I wonder what this car it like at SEA LEVEL.

TomDoherty, how is the car on the track?? Nice performer? I have a convertible, do u think it wold be fine if i did track days in it, or do u think its not such a great dea seeing as its chasis isnt as rigid as the coupe?

Convertibles aren't allowed to run at BMW club track events unless fitted with serious roll bars that would keep the driver's head from hitting the pavement in a rollover. Even if they didn't have this rule, or if the rules are different in your area, I wouldn't advise it. It is not uncommon to lose a car at a track event.

By the way, when I picked my M3 up at the factory in Munich, they were adamant about having the car serviced at 1,200 miles as well. However, I doubt an extra 300 miles will cause any damage to the engine, especially since an oil change isn't even part of the 1,200 mile service for 2001 cars.

Yep that is right...not allowed to participate at track events without a roll bar.

I will tell you that a M3 Cab did participate at the 'Ring school and did quite well. They of course wore helmets and did not drive it at 10/10ths.

Did not know that there was a 1200 mile break in for the other cars.

Thanx for the info guys
-Steven

Steven, your icq broken? hehe

Scott

Hi folks,
I've had my M3 services at 2069km (1200 miles). Before this service, during a cold starts the engine was extremely rigid and took a while to free up. But since the service, the car has been running smoothly. So I can understand why BMW wanted the 1200 mile run-in service.
Also from the service guys I found out it just not a mere oil change. They check the valve pressure and send them to a BMW technical headquaters for the country concern for analysis. If the tappets are to be replace depending on the pressure reading, they will be replaced. I was told this only happens if the car has been thrashed during the running-in period. Of course like most of you folks had brought it up, the oil changes take place along with a complete point to point check.
tks

Mine was at about 1600. I needed to use the car, and the dealer couldnt service it when i needed so i had to wait. They just do an oil change, so as long as you dont abuse your car to much and wait too long everything will be perfectly fine.
-Steve

The 1200 Mile service for the M3 is more than just an oil change. The also change the fluids in the Transmission and the Rear End.

When I picked my car up in Munich (Euro Delivery) they really stressed the importance of observing the break in process and doing the 1200 mile service before exceeding the break in limitations.

After the break in and service I was encouraged by the service man in Munich to enjoy the full potential of the car. I can tell you the car is just awesome...the engine is like no other I have experienced.

I have used it at full potential on the Autobahn before shipping it back...It did a stint at the 'Ring and I just got done doing a Track Day here in the US with the local BMW Car Club. I got a point by pass by a C5 and a Porsche Carrera S with Track Slicks!

My 2002 M3 is on order and I am wondering what the regular oil interval is, 3000, 5000 or.....

Thanks

[According to the Bimmer magazine, every 5000 miles. I also personally feel that way given the technical advancement of this engine. But make sure they do not reset the oil service indicator. In that way you will be able to get a few done under the warranty period.

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IK, Perth, Western Australia
June build M3 in Titanium Silver

I am purchasing an M3 through a military sales program in Germany. They will deliver the vehicle to a port on the East coast for me to pick up. I was wondering if I picked it up in Miami which is approx. 1200 miles from where I live in Indianapolis, would it be bad for the car to do this? To drive it the whole 1200 miles in one trip. This would knock out the break in period and I'd get a good chance to get a feel for the car. I'd also consider getting an audio system custom installed while in Miami since they would probably have a better selection of custom installers there. Anyone have any info. to share? Any replies will be appreciated.

I am purchasing a '02 M3 through a military sales program in Germany. They will be shipping to a port of my discretion in the states for Duty-free and tax-free purposes. Depending on possible locations, I was going to have the car delivered to Miami. That would be 1200 miles from where I intend to drive the car, Indianapolis. I plan on doing it like this because this would cover the 1200 mile break in period. Is this a good idea to run the 1200 miles in one trip? I also planned on getting a custom audio system, security system, and radar detector(Valentine 1) install while in Miami because I would think I could find a better custom install location in Miami than Indy. Anyone know of somewhere I could go? I would appreciate any suggestions or answers.

I would advise that a single trip for the 1200 miles would be ok if you did not use only the interstates. All breakins for high performance engines, both auto and motorcycles, although varying in distance, agree on one thing: avoid long periods of a single speed. Backroad driving would be better for much of the trip. I have 5000 miles on my 2001 M3cab and found the recommended redline plenty fun and the break in not too tense. Remember, not only the engine is breaking in, but all parts so avoid very hard braking also. As to the stereo and radar detector, I do not like my HK upgrade very much, but I'd never deal with a stereo shop other than in the city where I live and could return to if the installation isn't done properly. As to the radar detector, there is a comment on another post that there is an often unused "hot wire" behind a pre-wired telephone switch, I believe, beside the DSC switch. The cab, with the two top switches, doesn't have one, so I can't be sure, but any dealer should be able to tell you. Our local dealer does installations, but also helps if an owner needs ideas to use elsewhere. Enjoy the drive back; I wish you good weather.

Thank you very much. Your reply was helpful. I thought about getting the aftermarket sound system in Miami and have changed my mind. I'll just get it done in Indy somewhere. I'm sure I'll find somewhere that is competent. Again, thanks.