In the UK was told by dealer no need to 'run in' modern engines at all, although I suspect he means within reason, other than tracking at max revs. I think brakes need to be 'bedded in' before hitting them hard though, otherwise they will creak. Similarly, our service intervals are 2 years or 20,000 miles, with no service or oil change from brand new until the 2 years or 20,000. In the US, isn't there a very early oil change and then 12-monthly? Can't believe our cars are any different to US, except RHD. Any thoughts?
As I've stated in the past (although long before many current posters were on board):
Any truly critical aspect of
supposed break-in limits would be enforced by the ECU, or at least displayed on digital console at each start-up, but certainly not just buried in a hard-copy manual that the majority of buyers never read (as Porsche surely realize).
Engines are run-in at the factory. That's how dealer demos and Experience Center fleets are able to be thrashed from delivery. They would not do this if knowingly creating longer-term issues.
That's also how customer cars which -- for any reason -- do not adhere even partially to break-in guidelines are nonetheless fully covered under factory warranty.
Common sense things like full oil temp warm-ups, varying speeds and lowered initial rev limits are mainly for the drivetrain. To the extent they apply to to the engine, the potential benefit is maximized early-on (say, first hundreds of miles) and with diminishing benefit over initial thousand-or-so miles.
In the wake of Paul Walker-type litigation, the main thing Porsche is concerned with 'breaking-in' gradually is the new Porsche *DRIVER* not the car. Experienced Porsche owners (I submit) are those most likely to accelerate/modify break-in period guidelines as per their own experiences with previous Porsche cars.
As one can readily observe here: the psychology of (mostly new) Porsche owners tends toward obsessive behaviors, esp. wrt break-in, paint protection, and exceeding service interval recommendations (oil change). That's fine, if it's gratifying to the individual, go for it. Just balance that with the practical experience and advice of those who have owned many Porsche cars and tend to take their 718 rather more,
ahem, in stride.....
Finally, consider this: we know there are small but significant performance variations between stock-from-factory cars on the timing strip. This could be down to differences in the micro-tolerances of engine casting, forging and fitment at the factory. Or it *could* be that the engines which are run hard, often and early in their life are the ones that develop the most power when fully run-in.
No one even test drove it before me - in fact I did not even test drive it. Saw her on the showroom floor of the Grapevine dealership which was practically brand new as well.
