I got about 500 mi on my new 2003 CL-S 6M (silver) and was wondering if anyone has good tips on breaking this car in. I've been riding her pretty slow for the past two weeks and have been taking it easy at starts (I guess that's all I really need to do). The owner's manual says that I don't need to change the oil until the first scheduled tune-up (3000K) but I've always changed the oil/filter in previous new cars after the first 1000K miles. Do they add any special additive(s) to the factory oil fill that would make them recommend to hold off on the first oil change?

 

I treated my CL like my Harley. Took it easy for the first 500(just reached 525) This Friday, oil change, CT Headers and CAI. In two more weeks CT springs and Sways. I changed the tires last Monday. The first 500 miles was to give the motor a chance for pistons to seat.

 

I would recommend changing oil at 3750 and then changing to synthetic at 7500.........this will allow everything to set and make sure your everything lubricated fairly well with regular oil viscosity before switching to synthetic.........after that you can change synthetic oil at 5000 mile intervals (at a conservate measure).........talk to a technician at your dealer about your intentions to change oil, etc.......

 

Yea the oil that they put in a brand new engine is specifically made for a new engine with different lubricants in the oil to help the wear in process and they don't recommend takeing it out until the first schedualed oil change and not sooner. My new CLS just passed the 600 mile mark so I was looking for the answer also.

 

FYI, pistons really don't 'seat', the rings do. That is the critical interface, getting the small machining marks wore off the cylinders so the hardened faces of the rings get a very good seal.

 

I spoke with the service dept. at the dealership today and they told me that changing the oil at 1000K would not have any adverse effects on the break-in period of the car. He also confirmed that Honda did not ship any special type of oil (or additive) from the factory. I think I'll keep with my original intentions and change @ 1000K with the standard 10W-20 and then move to syntetic @ the next oil change. Thanks for the replies!

 

Waste of money, but that's IMHO. I change at every 7500 miles like the manual says. 3K miles, or sooner is just not needed anymore. Not in today's engines. Didn't have any problem in my 02 with 19K miles. I looked at the oil too. No debris, or anything like that.

 

I agree.
I did mine at 3,750 for the fist one and again at 7,500 to get back on schedule.
After that it will be every 7,500 for me and scheduled services at 15,000 and 30,000.

Shawn S

 

You might have a problem if you wait until one million miles to change your oil

Sorry I just had to say that, it was annoying me to see 1000K which actually means 1000X1000 = 1000000

 

I always hear varying opinions on when to change the oil on a new car... Here is what I did to my 03 AV6 Coupe...

I drove the car very slowly and calm from 0-500 miles...
At 500 miles I began running the car harder...
At 900 miles I went from the factory oil to Fully Synthetic 5w30 mobil one...

I am extremely happy with the way the car runs now. The engine runs a touch cooler (as I have seen with my Z28 and Buick that runs Mobil One)

I have never had any adverse affects from switching to synthetic fluids early. Some say "well, you will extend the break in period...." Or "The car won't fully break in correctly." But I just don't see and or have experienced the problems.

I would not suggest waiting until 3700 miles to change the oil for the first time. You just don't have any idea if there are any metal shavings or any other foreign matter that could be in the engine due to its newness... If you don't feel like going full synthetic just yet at least get the junk factory oil out and put some fresh dino oil in.

Dustin

 

Stay away from this dealer... I called two dealers in my area and also the 1-800 Acura North America hotline, they all confirmed that the engine is shiped with special break-in oil, NOT regular engine oil.

 

yeah.... what runnerX said ....and it says it right in the Manual too!!!

 

Haha, I didn't even notice that! I guess its my Euro upbringing, I'm really used to writing distances in Kilometers!