C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

2000km mileage - Is it safe to push it to red line now?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 5, 2004 | 02:18 AM
  #1  
cntlaw's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
2000km mileage - Is it safe to push it to red line now?

Reply
Old Oct 5, 2004 | 10:34 AM
  #2  
1313's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
C32, M3 SMG, VR-4, MR-S
Go For It

Most car manufacturers recommend 1000miles or 1600km for running in. I redlined mine after 1600km.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2004 | 11:21 AM
  #3  
Zeppelin's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 3
From: OC
C32
You should have redlined the car from day one. You know the dealer salesmen have all ready been out redlining your car before you took delivery. It is no big deal to redline a new motor. Some people say this is the proper way to break them in.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2004 | 12:04 PM
  #4  
cntlaw's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Originally Posted by Zeppelin
You should have redlined the car from day one. You know the dealer salesmen have all ready been out redlining your car before you took delivery. It is no big deal to redline a new motor. Some people say this is the proper way to break them in.
I guess I did by accident when I wasn't too sure about the speedshift button and got redline at 1st gear :p
cheers
cnt
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2004 | 12:18 PM
  #5  
Prasith32's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: Boston/Hartford
depending on who you ask it is actually better to drive a motor really hard right from the beginning.

However it is the tranny and differential that needs some time to lubricate and needs to be loosened up.

Either way change the oil at 2k miles or so. It really helps.

Prasith
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2004 | 02:44 AM
  #6  
cntlaw's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Originally Posted by Prasith32
depending on who you ask it is actually better to drive a motor really hard right from the beginning.

However it is the tranny and differential that needs some time to lubricate and needs to be loosened up.

Either way change the oil at 2k miles or so. It really helps.

Prasith
DO you mean change the tranny 's oil after 2k ? How about engine oil ? Oil/Air Filers...etc?
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2004 | 01:35 PM
  #7  
aries palmiotto's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
E320
My philosophy: Break it now while its under warranty.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2004 | 01:57 PM
  #8  
cntlaw's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Originally Posted by aries palmiotto
My philosophy: Break it now while its under warranty.

OK I DO THAT. ANYONE JOINS ME THIS COMING SUNDAY MORNING 9AM STARTING AT HK AIRPORT BRIDGE LOOKOUT?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 10, 2004 | 05:22 PM
  #9  
Nickerz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: California
ML350 '06
I have to say...I've been running my engine hard! Not extremely HARD but definitely breaking it in how I'm going to drive it in the future. I'm definitely not babying my car, that's for sure!

I of course wait until the car is completely warmed up but after that...to the floor baby!

Nick
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2004 | 05:39 PM
  #10  
mick1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 1
2005 C320wz
Originally Posted by Zeppelin
You should have redlined the car from day one. You know the dealer salesmen have all ready been out redlining your car before you took delivery. It is no big deal to redline a new motor. Some people say this is the proper way to break them in.
don't know. mine has only 10 miles on the odometer when i took delivery

according to the C-class operator's manual, the driver needs to take it easy until the car has had at least 1,000 miles.
Attached Thumbnails 2000km mileage - Is it safe to push it to red line now?-1000.jpg  
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2004 | 09:02 AM
  #11  
vitaman's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
E55 Flint Grey/Merlot
This is confusing. If "C" is the preferred position, how is it possible to vary engine speeds? With C the engine rarely gets above 2400 RPM's. It stays very smooth and stable. Sounds like a Catch 22 to me.
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2004 | 12:03 PM
  #12  
NORTH 44 C63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
From: 43°38'N / 79°52'W
EuroCharged 2012 C63 BS Coupè
I think its like this>>>>>

AMG programs the ECU to be very forgiving with high tolerence for average drivers. ie: a non enthusiast that might not follow service schedules and otherwise not take good care of the vehicle. This is why companies like Renntech and Powerchip 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, there are pre existing tolerences in place to protect the motor.

"Spare the rod and spoil the child"

If you are an AMG enthusiast, drive as you would normally right from the start. 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.

This is just my 2 cents but 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 test driver back in the 1980's and he still maintains the method (and still works for MB).

I hope this helps

Last edited by NORTH 44 C63; Oct 11, 2004 at 01:14 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2004 | 01:41 PM
  #13  
Nickerz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: California
ML350 '06
Amen to that North 44 C55!

Vitaman brings up a good point too! I have been driving my car in "C" mode so would "S" mode be fine during the breakin period? What mode do you use North 44 C55?

Thanks,
Nick
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2004 | 01:59 PM
  #14  
cntlaw's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
I agree all.

I believe both S and C are just fine during breakin so long as the driver is cautious about the 'effect' of the S or C.

My own rules are:-

leave the pedal alone when at 4500rpm.
I don't do engine break if I were above 80kmh
I don't stay in 2nd , 3rd gear longer than if I see it reaches 4000rpm.
I been using a lot 4th and 5th on highways at higher speeds.
I do my gears shifts variations at narrow hills roads where speed is always under 80kmh.

I am pretty confident my C55 will run as superb as my W210 - perfect performance with both engine and transmission lasted me 3 long years for 38000km.

cheers
cnt
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2004 | 02:07 PM
  #15  
NORTH 44 C63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
From: 43°38'N / 79°52'W
EuroCharged 2012 C63 BS Coupè
Originally Posted by Nickerz
Amen to that North 44 C55!

Vitaman brings up a good point too! I have been driving my car in "C" mode so would "S" mode be fine during the breakin period? What mode do you use North 44 C55?

Thanks,
Nick
Nick, C is fine but IMO S/M (no pun intended) would be better. Keeps the revs moving more than in C and more control. Keep in mind the warm up process is VERY important
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2004 | 05:11 PM
  #16  
s4iscool's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
just RTFM and youll be fine. I love people who like to 2nd guess AMG engineers and countless other marques engineers.
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2004 | 05:41 PM
  #17  
speedybenz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
AMG C43, 1999
I will bet lunch that the AMG and Std. Mercedes all see redline at the factory. How else are they going to check the engine and tranny before shipping?

The manual is for Liability Protection for MB. They get people to drive around slow and it creates less accidents and breaks less parts that will break anyhow due to poor quality.

Follow the manual and be 15 Hp down on idiots like me who didn't. Follow the herd, follow the herd, it's pretty comfortable back there, but the view is not so good.
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2004 | 06:23 PM
  #18  
Nickerz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: California
ML350 '06
Originally Posted by s4iscool
just RTFM and youll be fine. I love people who like to 2nd guess AMG engineers and countless other marques engineers.

I'm sure the engineers would rather "error on the side of caution" than to come out and tell people they can break-in the engine however they want.

It's safer as SPEEDYBENZ mentions and that makes more sense when putting it into writing (i.e., car manual)

Nick

PS Thanks North 44 C55 for the feed back on the C vs. S mode!

Last edited by Nickerz; Oct 11, 2004 at 06:30 PM.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:46 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE