Long distance delivery - drive it home?

kcole · 18th September 2002, 00:28

I live in Kansas City, and am taking delivery of an M5 next month in Delaware. My current plan is to fly out and drive it back, although I do have the option of having it delivered to KC, if I want to wait another week.

I plan to follow the break-in procedures on the way back as much as possible, staying under X RPM, and modulating my speed, but realistically most of the 1200 miles will be at 70 MPH. The good part is that when I get home, the break-in period will be over!

My question is this - will I be doing harm to the car? How much of the break-in procedure is keeping it under X RPM/low stress, and how much is varying speed?

Thanks!

- Ken

MEnthusiast · 18th September 2002, 00:44

I think most of it is varing the engine speed, which you can do. personally, Id drive it back if I could find the time and make a nice trip out of it. btw- congrats!

pmiranda · 18th September 2002, 01:07

Definitely follow the break-in requirements - right there on the window sticker in case you forget - and vary engine RPM as much as you can.

I drove mine home about 200 miles from an out-of-town dealer and because I was stuck with highway (no good backroads and no time to take them anyway) I just varied my speed as much as traffic allowed and switched off between 4th, 5th, and 6th, so engine speed varied a good amount.

MAVERICK · 18th September 2002, 01:18

Quote:

Originally posted by kcole
How much of the break-in procedure is keeping it under X RPM/low stress, and how much is varying speed?

Varying speed and rpm is more important. Keep it under 5500 rpm and don't lug it around at low rpm in a high gear. Only half-throttle until the car warms up. Try to get off the interstate during some of the trip and hit the back-roads where you can really vary the speed and rpm without annoying people.
Bring a bra or some special tape to prevent paint chips along the way. Have fun and congrats!

chunpng · 18th September 2002, 01:19

I drove mine back from LA to the SF Bay Area. I never realized the two places are so close to each other.

That's the most wonderful road trip I've ever had, and most of the drive was at night.

CP

Bob Uenaka · 18th September 2002, 01:48

I picked mine up in Phoenix and drove to San Diego before returning home to San Jose and logged about 1000 miles. At the time, I knew about all the break-in period restrictions except for the top speed limit. I was over 140 (but well under the RPM limit) many times in the desert outside of Phoenix... oops! I have not had any mechanical problems and oil consumption is actually very minimal (about a quart every 5k).

Bart Carter · 18th September 2002, 02:21

Took delivery at Spartanburg and drove back to Las Vegas. You will definitely enjoy the drive.

Varied the RPM between 4th, 5th and 6th. Also put a load on the engine going between gears and backed off the throttle for vacuum.

You have the unique opportunity to break in your car exactly as you should. Go for it!

JFB · 18th September 2002, 02:46

I picked mine up in IL and drove it to TX. Varied the RPM's on the freeway by using 4th, 5th and 6th. Stayed under the RPM limit (but not the speed limit). Car was completely broken in when I got home. Go for it.

RAREM5 · 18th September 2002, 03:12

I also picked mine up from Tampa and drove back to Jacksonville. about 200 miles and switching gears from 4th, 5th, and 6th as recommended. It was very difficult for me to stay below 100 mph.

kcole · 18th September 2002, 14:21

Thanks to all for the great comments! Looks like it's an October road trip for me!

Now, to stop off in Chicago for a chip upgrade or not... hmm... only 100 mi out of the way...

- Ken