[nepats81]

I’m buying my car out of state and have a few questions for when I drive it back.

1. I hear break in service is at 1200 miles. I expect to drive 1500- miles on my trip. Should I schedule break in service along the way back? Or is it ok to go a bit over?

2. I will want to get ceramic coating and ppf at home. Anything I can do to mitigate rock chips and bugs on the way back?

Thanks

[BIGW0RM]

Id do it along the way. Earlier is better than late too. I got mine done at 900-1k miles.

[jbirb305]

im sure its fine to go over. doing it along the way would be way too inconvenient.

[Mike02z]

I would schedule it along your way. I would want my service done at ~1100 miles.

[W204Beast]

You may want to schedule that service on your trip. There is a good video on YT on The Daily Driven's channel about the break in service. Long story short, it is best not to go over as the oil from factory is only meant for the 1200 break in period; different detergents and more mineral based for the break in process.

[TopJimmy]

Schedule it for as soon after 1200mi or for right after your trip. A couple hundred miles over won’t hurt, but notify your dealership.

[ano0oj]

1. Schedule it on the way
2. Plenty of people get some scrap PPF or even track tape and just cover all the high impact areas

[f30dreamin]

Back in the day, E46 days, I did painters tape on front half and mirror caps. Drove from south FL to Philly. When I stopped for gas, re applied/fixed as needed. Had no issues.

[geko29]

I've seen several online references to there being a 500-mile grace period on any service, including the break-in service. I would confirm with a service advisor or manager, but if true that suggests a range of roughly 1000-1700 miles when you can get it done.

If it's convenient to do en route--like you're going to be in a town for at least a day where you can get an appointment AND a loaner--then that's definitely the safest bet. If not, confirm with your local service department that 1500 is OK and just schedule it for when you get home.

[Bayo_Ruby]

Originally Posted by nepats81

I’m buying my car out of state and have a few questions for when I drive it back.

1. I hear break in service is at 1200 miles. I expect to drive 1500- miles on my trip. Should I schedule break in service along the way back? Or is it ok to go a bit over?

2. I will want to get ceramic coating and ppf at home. Anything I can do to mitigate rock chips and bugs on the way back?

Thanks

Will agree with others, do the service along the way if it's going to be 1500 miles.

In terms of rock chips, 1500 highway miles is a lot of opportunity for stuff to happen. Either buy a cheap front car cover (the shame) or try to find a place local to where you're picking up the car and have them wrap it.

That means you'll be sitting in a hotel for an extra day but you'd rather that than permanent chips in your brand new car.

[christianb5s4]

I had a longer drive home too albeit nowhere near that distance. Personally, I would do break-in on the way home too. Might be hard to get a dealer to do the service below 1,000 miles though.

For protecting it, painter's tape on all the main areas of risk will keep the car safe on the way back.

[MKParris]

I drive nearly 1000 miles home every time i buy a car. I tape the front end hood and mirrors in 2 inch thick blue painters tape. Buy 4 rolls.

Stay off peoples asses and you are golden.

[nepats81]

Originally Posted by MKParris

I drive nearly 1000 miles home every time i buy a car. I tape the front end hood and mirrors in 2 inch thick blue painters tape. Buy 4 rolls.

Stay off peoples asses and you are golden.

Thank you.

Why do you drive 1000 miles every time ?

[BEAR-AvHistory-2]

Try to vary your RPM on the way. Change speed or change gear selection. Would try to get in as close to the 1200 as you can but no need to be anal about it. In addition to engine oil they will change the rear end oil.

If there are going to be an metal flakes or chips they will most likely be in the differential.

[Fugly M3]

Do it along the way. Don't wait past 1300 ish miles. It's truly KM based, so 2k is about 1243 miles. I'd say limit the overage to 100kms.

['Cane]

Back in the days of European Delivery, they’d recommend scheduling it during the trip if you were going to exceed 1500. You had to pay out of pocket, but your originating dealer would reimburse.

[MT6]

Yeah make a reservation for break in service along your route.

[Alpine300zhp]

The only other caveat I can offer that’s different from the others is this: It has been BMW’s rule that missing the 1200 mile service makes the car ineligible for CPO status. Assuming that is still true, your car’s value could see a hit if you miss the 1200 miles. If or not this is important to you depends on your own circumstances. FWIW, the service is very basic and takes a slow dealer 2-3 hours to complete. Not worth the chance IMHO unless yours is a lease that you know is going back in 3 years.

[G80XLV]

Do it along the way.

[pchera01]

Originally Posted by nepats81

I’m buying my car out of state and have a few questions for when I drive it back.

1. I hear break in service is at 1200 miles. I expect to drive 1500- miles on my trip. Should I schedule break in service along the way back? Or is it ok to go a bit over?

2. I will want to get ceramic coating and ppf at home. Anything I can do to mitigate rock chips and bugs on the way back?

Thanks

Rent a Uhaul and trailer
drive the first 1200 miles on the regular street, not on the highway, stop and go traffic

[Juanero]

Drove mine 600 miles when I picked it up. Put blue painter's tape on the front and side mirrors. Does the trick without any issues on removal. I set a timer to remind me to vary the engine speed and gear every few minutes since my trip was mostly highway miles.

Do the service along the way.