[nal13]

I have my break in service scheduled for next Wednesday. Was on track to be at 1200 miles but due to the gremlins that live in my wife's landrover we have been a car down for the last week. As most dealerships have minimal to no loaners my wife has been using the M3 for soccer mom duties. The car has literally went from 900 to 925 miles. Getting the landrover back today and will likely put 100 or so miles on between now and the scheduled drop off.

Here is my predicament. I do have a loaner for next week from the BMW dealership. The next loaner appointment is a few weeks out at which time will be well above 1200 miles.

My long winded question is, is there any harm bringing the car in 100-200 miles early or is it worse to bring it in 100-200 miles late? I was always told there is no such thing as a dumb question. This one however may be questionable.

[2011ninja]

There is a +/- I've seen up to 400 miles.

Certainly no issue if you bring in early.

[CDunster]

Better to bring the car in early for service due to the type of oil used in the engine. The oil is very thin (closer to a mineral oil) and used to break-in the engine and clean any metal contaminants. If you go too far over the 1,200 miles, BMW could deny certain engine-related claims stating the break in service was not followed.

[M3coco]

My service manager told me not to exceed 1300, not so much for the oil change, but for the rear differential fluid. Not sure how much truth is in that.

[Mark Kez]

I was over when I took mine in. I asked the service manager before hand and he said it wouldn’t be an issue if I was over. In the end it was about forty miles over when I dropped it off.

[vj123]

Originally Posted by nal13

My long winded question is, is there any harm bringing the car in 100-200 miles early or is it worse to bring it in 100-200 miles late? I was always told there is no such thing as a dumb question. This one however may be questionable.

Earlier is better.

I wouldnt run it above 1300 miles when the recommendation is at 1200.

[Tenzen]

There's a video that covers the break-in service with a BMW tech.

[Tie]

Originally Posted by Tenzen

There's a video that covers the break-in service with a BMW tech.

This is a well-done and interesting video. Asks many of the questions that I have seen on the forums.

[jimbethesda]

A loaner in hand is worth 2 in the bush. Ok, that analogy isn't great. What I'm trying to say is bring it in early, grab the loaner. Things can change, a loaner might not be available as promised later. I also agree with the other comments that early is better than late for the car's health.

[davidmct-M3]

Originally Posted by jimbethesda

A loaner in hand is worth 2 in the bush. Ok, that analogy isn't great. What I'm trying to say is bring it in early, grab the loaner. Things can change, a loaner might not be available as promised later. I also agree with the other comments that early is better than late for the car's health.

Great video but missed the part when he was going to reprogram the ECU to move it out of break in mode. What is the power change?

[Anderson11]

ECU reprogram after 1200 mile service is an urban myth.

[nal13]

Went with the recommendations in the video and pushed out the service another week. Should be right around 1200 at that time. Was able to secure a loaner. As always much appreciation to the community for answering my question.

[FoxberryJam]

Originally Posted by Anderson11

ECU reprogram after 1200 mile service is an urban myth.

Not per the BMW technician in The Daily Driven's video...

[moonluv810]

Interesting tidbit…

Back in the days, the early F80/F82 model years (2014-2016) break in service also included transmission fluid flush for manual cars. Starting 2017 model year they no longer performed the transmission fluid flush.

I had a 2018 F80 and when doing the break in service, I asked my SA why BMW stopped doing this. The guy was actually super helpful and he even reached out to BMW NA for an answer. However and unfortunately, BMW NA didn't provide any meaningful answer other than typical lawyer's language "we continuously evaluate and improve our manufacturing processes, service, and products to meet our customers' highest expectations, etc etc etc".

[forcefed]

Originally Posted by Anderson11

ECU reprogram after 1200 mile service is an urban myth.

My friends mom's uncles twice separated cousin told me they also unlock the second turbo...

[reNT]

I highly doubt that the mileage needs to be that precise. 1,200 is probably the soonest that BMW would like for the owner to get the oil flushed out but going over that by a couple hundred miles, should not be an issue so long as the car isn't driven too hard. No LC, no WOT pulls to the redline, etc. And you should be fine. I am taking it in at around 1,500 miles to allow for more opportunity for all the parts to break-in and to ensure that once the new fluids go in, they won't get any more metal shavings.

[forcefed]

Originally Posted by reNT

I am taking it in at around 1,500 miles to allow for more opportunity for all the parts to break-in and to ensure that once the new fluids go in, they won't get any more metal shavings.

Watch the video above.

[M4ord]

I see that you secured a loaner, however I would also recommend asking if they have diff fluid. I know its stock is pretty low. They likely have it or are expecting it before your appointment, but it maybe something you will want to ask about.

[PC2003M3]

Originally Posted by M4ord

I see that you secured a loaner, however I would also recommend asking if they have diff fluid. I know its stock is pretty low. They likely have it or are expecting it before your appointment, but it maybe something you will want to ask about.

Excellent point on the diff fluid! I wish I had known this last week when I brought my car in for the 1200 mile service. Unfortunately, they changed the oil and started the service. I would have brought the car to another dealership which had the diff fluid if I had known this. The dealership that had the diff fluid won't do the second half of the service because it could be an issue getting paid by BMW.

[reNT]

Originally Posted by forcefed

Watch the video above.

Okay fine, I am now sufficiently scared. I am going to plan out my driving for the next few days and schedule the appointment so that as I am pulling into the service bay, the odometer is going to hit 1,200 exactly.

[Forzanerazzurri]

Don't overthink it. I'm taking mine in next week and I'll be at about 900 miles only. I would say earlier is better than late. I'm going away for a few weeks and want to be able to push the car a bit because the snow will arrive before i get back.

[themnmd]

Originally Posted by davidmct-M3

Great video but missed the part when he was going to reprogram the ECU to move it out of break in mode. What is the power change?

They do not add any power