Can someone tell me what the recommended break-in for these cars is. I am looking to buy a new one that is located in SC and dependent on the break-in requirements/restrictions I might fly out there and drive it back to Dallas.

 

if your C55 is new, there should be a sticker on the left hand side of windshield that will tell you the break-in procedure. if i remember right for the first 1000 miles, keep RPM under 4-5k and no downshift. someone correct if i'm wrong.

 

reprint:

Just my two cents, but my first MOD was to remove that window sticker!!

AMG programs the ECU to be very forgiving with high tolerence for average drivers. ie: a non enthusiast that might not follow service schedules, might use low grade fuel and otherwise not take good care of the vehicle. This is why companies like Kleemann and Renntech can squeeze extra HP by chipping alone.

This also relates to the easy break-in outlined in the user manual. this breaks in the motor in a way that if the service schedule is not followed, poor grade fuel used or general abuse, there are pre existing tolerences in place to protect the motor.

"Spare the rod and spoil the child"

If you are an enthusiast, drive as you would normally right from the start. The first 40 Klm are the most important. Hard, steady acceleration in second and third gears to a high rev (5 to 6K RPM repeatedly) is critical to seat the piston rings solidly.
It is VERY important to let the engine warm to full operating temp and then run the first few minutes at moderate loads as to let the tranny fluid temp to catch up as well. The tranny needs to seat and seal over the first 1000 miles/1600 km. This will produce a smooth, responsive and very tight engine that will stay that way. Still follow the recommended scheduled first oil/filter change and away you go.....

I'm not saying to go racing the first weekend but if you drive hard and smoothly through the gears right out of the gate you can expect to maintain top torque and HP numbers for the life of the engine. Follow the "recommended" break in and expect a 10 to 15 HP drop and for sure, lots of "cylinder blow by" in the years to come.

I have been breaking in engines (both high performance and stock) this way for years and its never let me down.

The program came to me from a Mercedes factory driver back in the 1980's and he still maintains the method (and still works for MB).

I hope this helps
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I say follow what AMG says - after all, they built the engine. Be careful to note that the sticker explains that at 1,000 miles it's not 'lets go racing' time, but rather to gradually introduce hard driving.

I stongly believe it's time and patience well spent - as you won't be getting a second chance. I also think it's a good idea to accelerate to the recommended RPM in either 1st or 2nd gear and then abruptly throttle lift to create break-in force opposite of that created by acceleration.

If you drive it back - most probably a lot of highway driving - you need to vary the RPMs also - ie: don't set it on cruise control and forget it.

Hope this helps...