Breaking a Virgin : Gentle or Hard + Fast?

2018 BMW M5 engine

There seems a dearth of literature on proper ways to break-in or run-in a new engine, whether for a virgin car or motorbike. Car manufacturers recommend a gentle break-in, especially from 0km – 3,000kms. Motoman, a tuner based in the States, however, seems to think otherwise.

The controversial MotoMan wrote “Break-in Secrets” after applying his methods on over 300 new engines. He claims that by using his methods, engines would experience a dramatic increase in power over all RPMs, internals remaining cleaner and more efficient overall. His principles and examples apply to all 4-stroke engines – motorbikes, cars, airplanes, snow mobiles, lawn mowers!

So really, how true is this?

What’s the best way to break-in a new engine? MotoMan says: RUN IT HARD!

As pointed out by new acquaintance and knowledgeable car enthusiast Eric, MotoMan’s methods may be applicable only to newer, more modern engines, developed using newer methods and materials. Applying his unproven methods on our 15-year old Proton engines may not produce ahem favourable results. Besides, our friendly salesmen at Proton Edar and EON usually would have done that favour for you – revving your brand new car to kingdom come while delivering to you.

Hard or gentle? What’s your break-in secret?

Vernon
Vernon is the founder and chief editor of Vernonchan.com. A graphic designer by profession, he has a deep love for technology, cars, gadgets, food, and travel. He tweets too much and is also known as a caffeine bacterium ("life's too short for bad coffee"). Bleeds Blue (go Chelsea FC!) and considers BMW, Porsche, Alfa Romeo cars to have in the garage--hallmarks of a true petrolhead.