Carmencr

I see everyone pitching a fit about how to treat the engine on a break-in period here, but I haven't seen anyone say what a good recommended break-in driving style is. I'm just about to close on my S4 this week, and the dealer jumped on it a couple of times (not too bad, but 4,500-5,000) much to my chagrin. What did everyone else do on their break-in? (i.e. how long, what range did you keep RPM in, city/highway split?)

Thanks, great message board.

Jim De Arras

Then just be "easy" on the car, no heavy throttle at any RPM, favor higher RPMs under light load over lower RPMs and heavy load. "Lugging" the engine is the hardest on the new, tight, main bearings, and will burn, or damage them faster than high RPM. Occasional high RPM, even redline, is not bad, as long as it's infrequent, and after the first 100 miles or so. Remember, the main bearing are too tight, and need to wear in smoothly. Friction is higher than normal, so whatever would increase heat is bad, i.e., heavy load or frequent, sustained, high RPM.

Within the above constraints, varity is best for the piston rings to seat well and this is key to low oil usage. If you go on long road trips, take some side roads, or at the least vary between 4th, 5th, and 6th when crusing to keep engine from turning at the exact same RPM for hours on end!

Have fun, enjoy your car, just don't "push the evelope" for a thousand miles or so!<p>Jim De Arras

<a href="http://www.imola.org">2000 00 Imola/Onyx/Alcantera S4</a>
MTM Stage II (Stage III on order)
MTM Full Suspension
MTM/Pagid Brake pads
UUC Short Shifter (original 20%)
Michelin Pilot Sports.
SmartTire Tire Monitor

Carmencr

Thanks, that eases my mind a little. The car already had 121 on it when I had the aforementioned ride, so that's good to hear. Sounds like your describing my work commute, which is nice. A little city, a little highway, not enough to get into any patern. I should be able to resist for a couple of weeks. (I hope!) Now, I just have to make sure to close on it before I get any more involved.

Ron O

<p>S4 Tip,Alcan,Silver,CD,
MM Spyders,APR,Winter,
Garmin Street Pilot
Born 11.18.99

Scot Kight

one other thing, you should drive a few trips of 100+ miles to make sure everythign 100% warms up and cools off completely. A 10-15 mile drive is not enough to do this. This helps set everything for normal running conditions. Taking a backroad adventure into the mountains is perfect for this. Just remember NO wot. (my ducati manual even specifies this for its engines ;> They know how motorcyclers ride in the mountains) Traffic should be avoided due to the possibility of uneven heating in the engine. (remember that friction is higher in the beginning)

Its great once its all done!!!!<p>Scot Kight
2000 S4 - Black Onyx/Silver
93 RX7 - Not stock
98 916 (for sale)
95 900ss

Carmencr

does all this apply exactly the same for a Tip as it does for the 6-speed? Anything different or other things to look out for?