I am a new P owner! '09 Carrera Black/Black and love it!

This forum is a huge wealth of knowledge and I really appreciate the contributions you have made. Thanks in advance!

Yes - this is another break-in question, but I haven't found it using the forum 'search'...

Read somewhere that leaving the engine idle during break-in period is the kiss of death. When i took delivery of the car last week, I did leave it idle for 10-15 minutes at least 8 times while parked outside friends houses waiting for friends (doing the rounds)... It's freezing here in Boston - I didn't want to shut the engine off...

Also, i've done the "keep under 4200 RPM" method, not babying it too much. On highways, i'll shift between 4th, 5th, and 6th gears every 5 minutes to vary RPMs. would love some feedback and advice about these topics.

Thanks!

Edwin, proud new owner

 

IMHO, idling a car will not "hurt" it of be the kiss of death. It is running under only parsitic load imposed by the accessories, etc. However, under some conditions the engine may have a tendency to overheat but in freezing Boston weather that's not likely. It is running a essentially constant RPM. While that is to be avoided during break-in it's still not a kiss of death.

I don't believe you'll experience any long term problems.

 

Welcome edwin

I dont think that would cause any problems to the engine. Enjoy the car, and drive it like u stole it

 

I have never heard of it being a problem to let your car idle for extended periods of time during break-in.

Enjoy your new ride.

 

Drive it like you stole it mate.

 

Idling is not the kiss of death. However, you should avoid idling as much as possible. You'll find it in the manual on page 89 if you don't believe me:

When starting the engine, be ready to drive
immediately. Drive vehicle at moderate
speeds and avoid engine speeds above
4,200 rpm during the first 5 minutes.

Do not let the engine idle to warm up.

 

Thanks to all the helpful responses and references!

 

Do follow scrupulously the manual, (avoid long idle, avoid short trip (less than 20 miles), avoid idle warm up and cruise control over a long period) during break-in, and your car will consume slightly less gas and almost no oil. That said, 5 mn idle in freezing conditions is perhaps better than cool down and warm up again.
Against the advice of the dealer I insisted on having a first oil service after 7k miles only, just to remove the tiny particles that might have fallen during early brek-in.

 

Drive the car like it was meant to be driven, otherwise it will end up a garage queen.

 

Gee..I had mine at the drag strip after only two weeks ....car runs great.