munis

Hello Everyone,

I will hopefully be getting delivery of my C43 Sedan next week. This is my first performance car and I want to be able to keep it around for a long time.

So I really want to break in this car properly, doing everything I can do to make sure it turns out to be a great engine. How soon should I do the first oil change? Because after the first 2000km the oil is going to have all the new bits of metal in it that you really do not want to keep driving with. So I do plan to do the initial oil change way sooner than necessary. I have 3 year service package with it, but the intervals at which Mercedes suggests to have them done, is something I am not comfortable with. Sounds really far fetched. I would want to do it sooner.

Also in Ontario, do all of you guys usually go to Mercedes for oil changes? Or is there any other shop that is competent enough to do it for a cheaper price?

I also wanted to know about the oil change interval for severe weather?

Also my car has to be parked in the driveway, and I do not want a cold start in the morning, given my understanding the car does come with a engine block heater, we just have to get the power cable installed and it should be ready to go. Has anyone tried it yet?

Thanks a lot for the help in advance!

looney100

The current hand-built AMG line-up doesn't have OE block heaters available. I don't know about the mass-produced 43s, though. I highly doubt a heater exists sans-cord. I don't understand why Mercedes would do such a thing - would just lead to corroded terminals if a cord wasn't put in place.

Block heaters are only recommended for when temperatures fall below -18C, unless you're in Northern Ontario, that's not going to happen too often. Just put a synthetic 0W40 oil in the engine, and you should be just fine.

munis

Thanks looney! My Sales rep told me there was a block heater which comes with the C43. Also the terminals have a cap on it for protection.

Can someone else answer my other questions?

I will really appreciate it.

1Gunner

What is the engine break-in distance?
Porsche is 2k Miles (3200kms).... which takes FOREVER!!

ignomini

Just follow the break in procedure per MB. The only way there should be metal floating around in the oil is if there's no filter installed.

Weather as such should have little or no effect on oil change intervals. The only exception might be if the car is driven only short distances and is never properly warmed up. In that instance, I would go with shorter intervals.

Modern engines are incredibly well sealed. The long change intervals are a reflection of the fact engines don't ingest much cr@p, or create lots of sludge from leaky cylinders.

Tej7

The 43's don't have hand built engines. I was told by my dealer's AMG specialist that there is no real break in period. He only mentioned that I should be a little cautious as to not completely red line it for the first 1500kms.

munis

Guy's anyone here using the engine block heater? I was wondering if there is any instructions of how to install it? Apparently Mercedes sells the cable for the heater for 50 bucks but charges 150 to install it.