ok, what is the real story behind the break-in period? i just picked up my dark blue metalic beige interior panamera 2011 with 19'' wheels, 14 way seats, bose, heated/ventilated seats etc...

this is my first porsche, and i couldnt be more excited. i have heard about the break-in period and thought this was a thing of the past in cars, but thought i read porsche recommends it. so i asked my salesman as i was driving off the lot and he said its no longer necessary.

i trust this forum. is there a break-in period, and what does it entail?

 

None.

The engine is broken in by the factory.

Porsche "break in" is for you, not the car. So that you may become familiar with the extreme performance characteristics of the vehicle.

This is also why "break-in" oil changes are no longer required. Service department will definitely do it, unless they're paying for it. Nope, not required.

 

Read the manual, do what it says. Anyone with other ideas about break in doesn't own your wheels. The reason oil changes are extended are two-fold; one, engines are built to much greater precision than years ago and two, the quality of oil is significantly better. Give your engines internal parts a chance to know each other and you won't be sorry. Don't drive it like you stole it, drive vigorously within the factory's limits and enjoy the learning experience.

ps: These engines are not broken-in by the factory, they are run to prove the assembly process and eliminate infant mortality.

 

all the manual says is to avoid full throttle starts, and hard braking as well as driving at speeds over 4500 rpm. sounds like i dont have to quite "baby" it then.

 

This is the exact old-school myth-perpeptuation I was speaking of. If you are concerned, then of course do exactly this. It is not, however, evidence based nor required by Porsche.

The "manual stating no full throttle starts" is just what I was saying: to familiarize you to the vehicle, not to break the vehicle in.

 

" Don't drive it like you stole it, drive vigorously within the factory's limits and enjoy the learning experience."

This is what I wrote, It is totally "evidence based"; my experience of buying 25+ new cars without issues......including 5 Porsches.

 

another newbie question:

the ipod usb connection-can i leave my ipod nano always plugged in or will it drain on the battery when the car is off?

 

I just purchased a Turbo Panamera last week and asked the same question to my dealer at Champion and my local dealer here in Orlando, both said that there is no required break in needed for the car. Still unsure I checked the manual and it states something along the lines of no revving higher than 4,200 RPM until after the first 2,000 miles. I decided to be nice to it with the occasional on ramp fun.

 

Actually this is completely realistic. As you say don't abuse it, simply meld your abilities with that of a new car.

I think I misread your earlier post.

I no longer subscribe to the classic "break the parts in slowly" philosophy with Porsches.

My MB E63 however, I was flat out told.... "the engine is broken in.... the sport differential is not, be gentile for the first 1000 miles..."

 

No, it will not drain the battery.

 

With them stating don't rev it past 4500 RPM for the first 2000k miles says there is at least some break in...