inflexion said:
its all aload of tosh anyway as nearly all car engines are pre-run in now anyway
I agree. It is my opinion that manufacturers only recomend this as a ploy to lessen the chances of speeding and speed related accidents. Here in the US, the fastest posted speed limit on highways is 65 mph. Coincidence? I think not. They suggest that you do it for a long enough time, in hopes that you will forget about a "breaking in" period and just keep driving the posted limit.
Car engines are designed to run safely and smoothly. They are tested and pre-run. Sure, just as it is with any complex machine, breakdowns and mishaps can occur. But it has very little and next to nothing to do with how fast you drive during your first 3000 miles.
I myself, don't drive at excessive speeds. This is not to say that I don't speed, I have set the cruise control for 75 mph on long, highway trips. Yet, 75 mph is hardly excessive. As long as you are driving safely and paying attention to the road, it really wouldn't matter what speed you drive your car at.