M3 nearly here...

[Steve_C]

A74M? - Awesome road and no cameras that I know of (last time I was on it was 2.5 months ago), I would've had a letter by now as I did most of it in the triples...

[Steve_C]

or does the computer tell all?

The computer on the M3 tells all... it logs ALL "transgressions" and not obeying the running-in instructions is seen as a transgression which will void the warranty and COULD lead to the lease company holding you responsible for any future (expensive?) failures.

Unless you have a pot of money to burn, run it in.

Yes, I've heard the same. The ECU records max revs and max speed which BMW may check when it goes for its running in sevice after 1200 miles. The owner's manual says max 5500rpm and 105 mph while running it in. The dealer has said just don't redline it. I'll try to get the latter recommendation in writing!!

[Steve_C]

Hi,

Just watch for the cameras on the bridges between Motherwell/Hamilton - south.
Usually there at peak times for about 20 miles or so.

Jay.

Thanks. I'll have a little play with the i-drive for that section.

[Steve_C]

Im not 100% sure but dosent the M3 need a service after the 1200 mile run in? My Z4M coupe did, not sure if the more modern M cars do or not? Anyway it is a free service and they just change the oil. If you don't have it then your warranty is void.

I would be very careful from the Dumfries and Galloway sign until you leave Scotland. There are regularly mobile camera vans on the bridges. The day i sold my Z4MC the guy who bought it got done by one of them driving south. I know this because i obviously got the ticket, but promptly passed it onto him.

You may find this link useful - check the daily camera locations. Very obliging of them i have always thought

http://www.dgsafetycameras.co.uk/index. ... cleid=9645

Oh and I am interested to hear about the M3 and your experience in leasing - always stayed clear myself but for the kind of price you paid I find myself keeping an eye on the various websites now. Something for the misses im after of course!

. Yes, its a 1200 mile running in service. Only free at the discretion of the supplying dealer (not free in my case).

[Steve_C]

cheers Steve, keep us updated ... im keen to hear more

and btw, fcku that ! running it in? erm ... hellloooooooooooo ? it has manufacturer warranty and after 2 years your chucking the keys in their face

drive it like you stole it for 2years!!!

Yes, the 1201+ miles will be driven in such a way!

[Doc]

The M3 is a great car..for the longest time I've been oscillating between both, in the end I just kept both

Both are delightful, being an M3 driver first before coming to RS4's, I have to say its tough to choose. The winter aspect of rear wheel drive, was never an issue, its part of the ownership experience......just like the RS4, having less comparable driver intimacy.....

.....and yes the run in is important to get the best from the car...then drive it, as it was made to be......Enjoy

[Steve_C]

The A90 is supposed to be a trap for M3 drivers, I remember reading this when I bought my E46, just made me want one even more:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3030327.stm

Ouch!! I have bad memories of the A90 from my biking days (but not that bad!).

[Steve_C]

Your going to love it, I'm sure, I honestly think BMW make a much better product then Audi 90 % of the time. I'd always dismissed BMWs in favour of Audis. It was a big mistake. I've got a big soft spot for Audis, and it pains me to admit it. But BMW really are THAT good. The first thing you'll notice is how feckin connected the steering wheel feels, you won't have to be kaning it down a country road at 100 mph to feel this, just general country lanes... even roundabouts. You may never come back to Audi, and I wouldn't blame you.

Thanks AMAR. Although it was driving an M3 on a track day that started all this, it was one of your earlier comments that made me look again at BMW.

[Steve_C]

Sit and twiddle the steering all you like while your waiting for a tow truck in the winter

Ha ha! Yes, I know snow and BMW don't go together. But for the 2-3 wks per year when there is snow on the ground I can just work from home so its no big deal for me.

[adsgreen]

It's really funny - the best way to run in an engine is to use the whole rev range.
As long as engine up to temp and you don't labour the engine in too high gear or low revs and avoid full throttle and limiter it's fine. In fact it works better as all the parts get even wear.

[sonny]

The RS4 has a 1553miles (2500km)bedding in period too (but no bedding in service)

This is taken from the Audi bedding in procedure.


2500KM = 1553 MILES
2000KM = 1242 MILES
1000KM = 621 MILES
A new vehicle should be run in over a distance of 2,500 km (1553 miles). During
the first 1,000 km (621 miles) do not use full throttle and do not exceed an
engine speed of 6,000 rpm. From 1,000 (621 miles)to 2,000 km (1242 miles) you should also
avoid using full throttle. From 2,000 to 2,500 km you can then
increase engine speed gradually and briefly to 8,250 rpm.
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the
engine is greater than later on when all the moving parts have
bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 2,500 km also influences the
engine quality. After the first 2,500 km you should continue driving
at moderate engine speeds, in particular when the engine is cold.
This helps to reduce wear and tear on the engine and increases the
potential mileage which can be covered by the engine.
You should also avoid driving with the engine speed too low.
Change down to a lower gear when the engine no longer runs
“smoothly”. Excessively high engine speeds are prevented by an
automatic rev limiter.

[adsgreen]

The above is really sensible - the 6k initial limit is perfect as it's just high enough to activate the cam change so it sees some bedding in too. I've seen internals from engines where the cam change over is 6200 and manufacturer bedding in said not to exceed 5k. Looked horrible compared to the economy cams.

[adsgreen]

Oh the only other thing- avoid sitting at a constant speed.
Much better to vary as much as you can. If you must go on a long motorway journey then try to vary speeds and gears

[Steve_C]

Agree with the above - sound advice. So I can't understand why BMW state to keep revs below 5500rpm during running in when the red line is 8400?

[scaghead]

good luck with it fella, i test drove it before i got the rs and again at the begining of this year just did not do it for me....steve have you owned either of the 36 or 46 m....?? the 90/92 i thought was not as good allround motor as these...