considering driving it home myself. Is it wise to make such a long trip on a non broke-in car?? I know to vary the speed etc during break-in period, but what else?----------------and what about running it hot continuously for such long number of hours: 8-10-12)?? is it best to stop and cool down every hour, (but that will make a very long trip...)
Thanks for advice

Drove from near Fargo, ND to Chicago the day after I picked up the car; the full round trip to central Illinois totalled about 2K miles over about seven days. Mostly interstate driving at highway speeds, but varied speed frequently for the first 600/800 miles in a range of about 60-80 mph. Per my dealer, this was appropriate for break-in. Everything seems fine, though I suppose some problems from an incorrect break in might not appear for thousands, or tens of thousands of miles.

Philip
'99.5 2.8QM

i just picked up a new a4 from a dealer and they insisted that a break-in period was not necessary because it was performed at the factory. Is this the case and we are just perpetuating the requirements from years ago or do new cars still require break in.

Check in the archives on break-in, tons of previous discussion. Basically the break-in period is a final "machining" of your engine's parts, which given today's tolerances is less (or not) necessary.

The engines are run at the factory, but not long enough for them to "break in" fully. IMHO, a break-in period is still needed and I think the Audi engineers feel the same way as the procedure is listed in your Owner's Manual. I'd tend to trust the Owner's Manual more than the advice of my dealer, who is notoriously clueless, again IMHO.

<A HREF="Mailto:andy_hedin@hotmail.com">Andy Hedin</A>
'97 A4 1.8Tqms, Garrett 1.0 Bar, ABT Filter, APR/Borla Exhaust, Euro Headlights, more...

Take the 5 instead. Don't use cruise and just vary your speeds between 65-75. It should only
take about six hours, so just stop half way (Coalinga approx.) and stretch your legs and let it
cool for 15-20 mins. Everything should be fine, and your break-in at home is lessened by 350
miles!

When you take delivery from Dave Liebenson (assuming -he's usually the sales guy associated with carpoint or carorder sales), say HI to him from Christine S, Steve S, and all the NorCal folks.

If you vary the speeds a bit and take a rest stop or two, you'll be fine.

You don't think the Grapevine is a big strain on the new engine? (although by that point it does have a few hundred miles under its belt.!..) Your right, as far as the time savings over 101.

Thanks everyone for opinions!

I've driven a Honda Accord 4 banger up it many times, didn't get above 4K rpms in 4th.
You're supposed to stay under 4.5k in the Audi during break-in. It will probably cruise up
it in 4th at 3.5k going 65

nt