There's a Break-In procedure for an E350 4M ??
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 65
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From: Burlington, Ontario
2011 E350 4MATIC & 2014 GLK250 BlueTEC
There's a Break-In procedure for an E350 4M ??
After putting 1100 kms (700 miles) on the new '08 E350 4M, I just realized that buried in the owners manual down at page 274 or so are some recommendations regarding vehicle break-in. These include limiting rpm to 2/3 of redline, no kickdown acceleration, and keeping the transmission in the "C" setting.
Well, the first thing I did when picking up the car was to punch the "C" / "S" button into the "S" setting and it's been there ever since. I've been fairly good at limiting full throttle acceleration, but have had to use it on freeway entrances 4 or 5 times to avoid being flattened by 18 wheelers. And of course I had to test how much better the acceleration was on the '08 E350 4M compared to my old '04 E320
. I did manage resist the manual transmission mode though, so the high rpm's were only those that the "S" program allowed.
My question is: Should I now begin this break-in pampering of the car for the last 300 miles, or have I already done all the "damage" that I can? I really thought that cars did not really require break-in anymore with such procedures being done at the factory prior to release (ie. dyno or electric run-up), especially with cars of the caliber of an MB. My '04 E320 was a demo with 2k on the odometer when I purchased it, and I really doubt the dealer's sales staff were so conscientious as to "break-in" that vehicle. Also, one would think that if the break-in procedure were so important, such instructions would not be near the end of the manual, but rather up front, or even on a tag attached to the gearshift lever on the new car!
Well, the first thing I did when picking up the car was to punch the "C" / "S" button into the "S" setting and it's been there ever since. I've been fairly good at limiting full throttle acceleration, but have had to use it on freeway entrances 4 or 5 times to avoid being flattened by 18 wheelers. And of course I had to test how much better the acceleration was on the '08 E350 4M compared to my old '04 E320
. I did manage resist the manual transmission mode though, so the high rpm's were only those that the "S" program allowed.My question is: Should I now begin this break-in pampering of the car for the last 300 miles, or have I already done all the "damage" that I can? I really thought that cars did not really require break-in anymore with such procedures being done at the factory prior to release (ie. dyno or electric run-up), especially with cars of the caliber of an MB. My '04 E320 was a demo with 2k on the odometer when I purchased it, and I really doubt the dealer's sales staff were so conscientious as to "break-in" that vehicle. Also, one would think that if the break-in procedure were so important, such instructions would not be near the end of the manual, but rather up front, or even on a tag attached to the gearshift lever on the new car!
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 56
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From: Dallas, TX
'05 e320
Honestly how bad could it be, just take it easy on the last 300miles and my guess is you'll be just fine..those break-in procedures are not a bad idea, but in my opinion their cautionary..
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13
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From: New Jersey
2009 C63 AMG Black/Black
Break-In
I test drove a 2007 E350 Sport with 200 miles on it back in May. Since I was not sure if the six cylinder had enough power by salesman insisted I floor it for quite some distance. Sorry to the person who bought that car. I still think you will be fine.
