Advice on break-in period
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From: Canada
2011 E350 4Matic Estate in Mystic Red
Advice on break-in period
Hi all,
I will be picking up my S212 wagon in a week or so. I cannot recall what the break-in period is, but I will almost immediately be making an approximately 1000mile trip on the highway, followed by another 300 mile trip afterwards.
Here are my questions: what is the "break-in" period, and how does Mercedes suggest one drives through that period? Do you have any suggestions how I am follow that advice that given that I am going to be going on a 1000 mile trip? What will happen if I do not break-in the engine (what are the long-term effects)?
Thanks
I will be picking up my S212 wagon in a week or so. I cannot recall what the break-in period is, but I will almost immediately be making an approximately 1000mile trip on the highway, followed by another 300 mile trip afterwards.
Here are my questions: what is the "break-in" period, and how does Mercedes suggest one drives through that period? Do you have any suggestions how I am follow that advice that given that I am going to be going on a 1000 mile trip? What will happen if I do not break-in the engine (what are the long-term effects)?
Thanks
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2011 E550 Sport (traded), 2012 SLK 350; 2013 GL450 on order for OCT delivery
The break-in instructions in my owner's manual were such that the car could be driven normally for both city and highway cruising -- not staying at a constant speed for extended periods of time and basically no hard acceleration.
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2011 E550, 2013 GLK
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servic...owners_manuals
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2012 CLS63
I would take it easy the first 1000 like mentioned in the manual...
you could also solicit opinons when accepting delivery.....I found that useful to
help build bonds with tech's and good relationships with those who service the car....
those folks know tons, although reluctant to share sometimes, about the in's and out's ot MB......
but yeah, various speeds, not flooring it, lol, conservative......also gives you a chance to ease into all the controls and your new surroundings.....
enjoy!
you could also solicit opinons when accepting delivery.....I found that useful to
help build bonds with tech's and good relationships with those who service the car....
those folks know tons, although reluctant to share sometimes, about the in's and out's ot MB......
but yeah, various speeds, not flooring it, lol, conservative......also gives you a chance to ease into all the controls and your new surroundings.....
enjoy!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Canada
2011 E350 4Matic Estate in Mystic Red
Thanks for the replies + link. It is going to be difficult though to vary speeds when you are driving 5 hours on the highway. No hard acceleration I can manage. What are the long-term consequences if a car is not properly treated during the first thousand miles or so?
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From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
I'm glad I saw this thread...the same question has been on my mind too.I just took delivery of my Bluetec on Friday and have already taken a 180 mile (round trip) Interstate trip.I made it a point to vary the speeds....55mph for about 10 minutes and then 70mph for 10 minutes and then repeat.I'm a rather sedate driver so I almost never floor it...or even come close.My only question is is the break in period handled the same way for gassers and diesels.I assume it's pretty similar.
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
as BAD as I would want to take the new car........maybe take a different one if you can..........just sayin'
good luck
don't forget to post some pix.....
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Yes the basic principle is the same but the length of the break-in period is longer for diesels because of the low RPMs. Check your cars manual because I'm certain the break-in is longer than 1,000 miles.
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
You know there is someone who has to mess up the harmonious vibe of this thread. Let it be me this time. What do you think about this link ? Muhahahahahahaha... 
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
And for the record I break all my cars in like all of you; according to the manual.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
And for the record I break all my cars in like all of you; according to the manual.
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
Like many of you,I have had many new MB's and drove them normally,avoiding high rpm and hard braking. A mix of highway and city driving usually makes for a great break in. Porsche prefers more hwy at variable speeds not exceeding 4200rpm for 3,000kms. It's not rocket science,just avoid aggressive driving,simple as that.
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Like many of you,I have had many new MB's and drove them normally,avoiding high rpm and hard braking. A mix of highway and city driving usually makes for a great break in. Porsche prefers more hwy at variable speeds not exceeding 4200rpm for 3,000kms. It's not rocket science,just avoid aggressive driving,simple as that.
This is just a random video I found of someone taking delivery of the car and then going straight to the autobahn with it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AjkPQmnoWw
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From: Minnesota
S212 2011 Wagon and Wife's 2014 C350 sedan.
The Break-in
When we spend the amount of money we do for our Mercedes we want to make sure we treat it correctly from the beginning. The break-in is one of those areas where the "Car guys" usually differ from the "non-car guys".
For me, the break-in is very important. After reading what the manufacturer says to do I adapt it to what has worked for me over the years.
Not to go into the number of vehicles but the various types of engines, water cooled, air cooled, single, twin, four, straight six, v six, flat six, v eight, turbo, twin turbo, aircraft six, aircraft six turbo and jet engine aircraft, I have broken-in new, changing the oil is the most important procedure one can do to ensure longevity in an engine.
On a new engine, I always change the oil within 500 miles or ten hours.
I changed the oil on my new E350 at 500 miles and was surprised at how dark the oil was. Now, at 2700 miles, the oil is still very transparent, clean.
I would recommend to the OP, change your oil when you get back home. That will help ensure a long life for your new Mercedes.
For me, the break-in is very important. After reading what the manufacturer says to do I adapt it to what has worked for me over the years.
Not to go into the number of vehicles but the various types of engines, water cooled, air cooled, single, twin, four, straight six, v six, flat six, v eight, turbo, twin turbo, aircraft six, aircraft six turbo and jet engine aircraft, I have broken-in new, changing the oil is the most important procedure one can do to ensure longevity in an engine.
On a new engine, I always change the oil within 500 miles or ten hours.
I changed the oil on my new E350 at 500 miles and was surprised at how dark the oil was. Now, at 2700 miles, the oil is still very transparent, clean.
I would recommend to the OP, change your oil when you get back home. That will help ensure a long life for your new Mercedes.
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From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
Evidence I've seen (on an MB website) strongly suggests that they use "break in" oil at the factory on at least some of their vehicles.If true that would argue against early oil changes,IMO.Do you have evidence suggesting that that's not the case...with Mercedes at least? Just curious...I honesty don't know for sure and I understand that you just might!
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Evidence I've seen (on an MB website) strongly suggests that they use "break in" oil at the factory on at least some of their vehicles.If true that would argue against early oil changes,IMO.Do you have evidence suggesting that that's not the case...with Mercedes at least? Just curious...I honesty don't know for sure and I understand that you just might!
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I took my car on a 600 mile round trip the day after I got it. 
You should be fine. Try not to use the CC, and that should force the RPM's to shift a bit more.
There are lots of gearheads who SWEAR by hard break-ins, but again, they're gear-heads, and they have different wants from the engines. Performance wise I can see a benefit to a hard break-in, but reliability and overall quality of care wise, I really don't.
About the changing the Oil right away, I don't DIY, so I'm just waiting until the car tells me to take it in.
You should be fine. Try not to use the CC, and that should force the RPM's to shift a bit more.
There are lots of gearheads who SWEAR by hard break-ins, but again, they're gear-heads, and they have different wants from the engines. Performance wise I can see a benefit to a hard break-in, but reliability and overall quality of care wise, I really don't.
About the changing the Oil right away, I don't DIY, so I'm just waiting until the car tells me to take it in.
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
I am not sure about MB but Porsche has a magnetized drain plug that picks the metal shavings that the filter misses. I doubt that changing the oil at 500 miles accomplishes anything. If the factory uses break in oil then it would be harmful. In any event MB recommends 20,000kms(12,000mi) and I think that is sufficient. I am sure their engineering dept has studied this to death.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I am not sure about MB but Porsche has a magnetized drain plug that picks the metal shavings that the filter misses. I doubt that changing the oil at 500 miles accomplishes anything. If the factory uses break in oil then it would be harmful. In any event MB recommends 20,000kms(12,000mi) and I think that is sufficient. I am sure their engineering dept has studied this to death.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Canada
2011 E350 4Matic Estate in Mystic Red
K-A: what is the CC you are referring to?
I am confused as two responses are being posted here: some are saying should be fine if I don't push the car, others are saying to try to avoid taking the car, which I can do and was thinking of actually doing based on hyperion's response.
My normal driving patterns are as follows: 2 miles to work daily for 5 days, then 400 miles round trip over the weekend. Would the 2 miles a day put a lot of stress on the engine during the break-in period? So, if you had the same driving pattern, would you acutally try to take the car on a long-trip to avoid the short trips that the car would have to endure for about 1 to 2 months?
Thanks
I am confused as two responses are being posted here: some are saying should be fine if I don't push the car, others are saying to try to avoid taking the car, which I can do and was thinking of actually doing based on hyperion's response.
My normal driving patterns are as follows: 2 miles to work daily for 5 days, then 400 miles round trip over the weekend. Would the 2 miles a day put a lot of stress on the engine during the break-in period? So, if you had the same driving pattern, would you acutally try to take the car on a long-trip to avoid the short trips that the car would have to endure for about 1 to 2 months?
Thanks
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
There is
no break in oil used on these production engines.
Drive it,change oil as indicated 0w40 gas
5w40 diesels mobil1 syn
A long trip will have plenty of variable engine speeds.
The biggest thing to break in is seating the brake pads on the rotors. That will keep you happier longer.
No panic stop,don't sit at lights with the foot on the brakes after long periods of hot braking or after stopping from speed.
Enjoy
Changing good oil at 500 miles is a waste of good oil.
Drive it,change oil as indicated 0w40 gas
5w40 diesels mobil1 syn
A long trip will have plenty of variable engine speeds.
The biggest thing to break in is seating the brake pads on the rotors. That will keep you happier longer.
No panic stop,don't sit at lights with the foot on the brakes after long periods of hot braking or after stopping from speed.
Enjoy
Changing good oil at 500 miles is a waste of good oil.
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From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
My normal driving patterns are as follows: 2 miles to work daily for 5 days, then 400 miles round trip over the weekend. Would the 2 miles a day put a lot of stress on the engine during the break-in period? So, if you had the same driving pattern, would you acutally try to take the car on a long-trip to avoid the short trips that the car would have to endure for about 1 to 2 months?
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
K-A: what is the CC you are referring to?
I am confused as two responses are being posted here: some are saying should be fine if I don't push the car, others are saying to try to avoid taking the car, which I can do and was thinking of actually doing based on hyperion's response.
My normal driving patterns are as follows: 2 miles to work daily for 5 days, then 400 miles round trip over the weekend. Would the 2 miles a day put a lot of stress on the engine during the break-in period? So, if you had the same driving pattern, would you acutally try to take the car on a long-trip to avoid the short trips that the car would have to endure for about 1 to 2 months?
Thanks
I am confused as two responses are being posted here: some are saying should be fine if I don't push the car, others are saying to try to avoid taking the car, which I can do and was thinking of actually doing based on hyperion's response.
My normal driving patterns are as follows: 2 miles to work daily for 5 days, then 400 miles round trip over the weekend. Would the 2 miles a day put a lot of stress on the engine during the break-in period? So, if you had the same driving pattern, would you acutally try to take the car on a long-trip to avoid the short trips that the car would have to endure for about 1 to 2 months?
Thanks
Short distance trips are not good for cars either, but hey, if you gotta do it then you gotta do it, and I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure it gets to the normal operating temperature when you're driving it to work.
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From: Canada
2011 E350 4Matic Estate in Mystic Red
I think you're over-thinking it, just drive it and enjoy. The long distance will be fine, but concentrate on mixing the speeds up a little bit, and I was referring to Cruise Control.
Short distance trips are not good for cars either, but hey, if you gotta do it then you gotta do it, and I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure it gets to the normal operating temperature when you're driving it to work.
Short distance trips are not good for cars either, but hey, if you gotta do it then you gotta do it, and I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure it gets to the normal operating temperature when you're driving it to work.
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From: Minnesota
S212 2011 Wagon and Wife's 2014 C350 sedan.
Break-in
Just arrived back in town, Listerone: Regarding factory "Break-in Oil" my dealer, here in Minnesota, confirms the factory does not use any special "Break-in Oil" in these vehicles.
Also, a few years ago, I toured the Porsche factory and watched them build an engine, they put it on the engine check station and would run the engine, cold, up to red line to check the engine data. When it passed, it was put into inventory waiting to be put into a car. Now, the engines are tested as they are being assembled and once done are put into inventory with out each one being run on a test stand. My current 09 C4S was filled at the factory with regular Mobil 1 0 W 40.m My Porsche tech. highly recommends changing the oil before the regular 10,000 mile first oil change.
Petee1997, I have an 09 C4S and change my own oil. My vehicle does not have a magnetized oil drain plug and I am not aware of one being available as an OEM part on current Porsche cars.
I also visited the BMW factory in Spartanburg S.C. The engines are built in Germany and shipped over here for the X5, X3, Z4 vehicles. They use regular Castrol Syntec. No special Break-in oil.
Each of us has our own "Oil Issues" and, based on our experience, background and peer pressure does our own thing.
All track "guys" change their oil after each major event. It is very inexpensive insurance.
Also, a few years ago, I toured the Porsche factory and watched them build an engine, they put it on the engine check station and would run the engine, cold, up to red line to check the engine data. When it passed, it was put into inventory waiting to be put into a car. Now, the engines are tested as they are being assembled and once done are put into inventory with out each one being run on a test stand. My current 09 C4S was filled at the factory with regular Mobil 1 0 W 40.m My Porsche tech. highly recommends changing the oil before the regular 10,000 mile first oil change.
Petee1997, I have an 09 C4S and change my own oil. My vehicle does not have a magnetized oil drain plug and I am not aware of one being available as an OEM part on current Porsche cars.
I also visited the BMW factory in Spartanburg S.C. The engines are built in Germany and shipped over here for the X5, X3, Z4 vehicles. They use regular Castrol Syntec. No special Break-in oil.
Each of us has our own "Oil Issues" and, based on our experience, background and peer pressure does our own thing.
All track "guys" change their oil after each major event. It is very inexpensive insurance.
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,121
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From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
Just arrived back in town, Listerone: Regarding factory "Break-in Oil" my dealer, here in Minnesota, confirms the factory does not use any special "Break-in Oil" in these vehicles.
Also, a few years ago, I toured the Porsche factory and watched them build an engine, they put it on the engine check station and would run the engine, cold, up to red line to check the engine data. When it passed, it was put into inventory waiting to be put into a car. Now, the engines are tested as they are being assembled and once done are put into inventory with out each one being run on a test stand. My current 09 C4S was filled at the factory with regular Mobil 1 0 W 40.m My Porsche tech. highly recommends changing the oil before the regular 10,000 mile first oil change.
Petee1997, I have an 09 C4S and change my own oil. My vehicle does not have a magnetized oil drain plug and I am not aware of one being available as an OEM part on current Porsche cars.
I also visited the BMW factory in Spartanburg S.C. The engines are built in Germany and shipped over here for the X5, X3, Z4 vehicles. They use regular Castrol Syntec. No special Break-in oil.
Each of us has our own "Oil Issues" and, based on our experience, background and peer pressure does our own thing.
All track "guys" change their oil after each major event. It is very inexpensive insurance.
Also, a few years ago, I toured the Porsche factory and watched them build an engine, they put it on the engine check station and would run the engine, cold, up to red line to check the engine data. When it passed, it was put into inventory waiting to be put into a car. Now, the engines are tested as they are being assembled and once done are put into inventory with out each one being run on a test stand. My current 09 C4S was filled at the factory with regular Mobil 1 0 W 40.m My Porsche tech. highly recommends changing the oil before the regular 10,000 mile first oil change.
Petee1997, I have an 09 C4S and change my own oil. My vehicle does not have a magnetized oil drain plug and I am not aware of one being available as an OEM part on current Porsche cars.
I also visited the BMW factory in Spartanburg S.C. The engines are built in Germany and shipped over here for the X5, X3, Z4 vehicles. They use regular Castrol Syntec. No special Break-in oil.
Each of us has our own "Oil Issues" and, based on our experience, background and peer pressure does our own thing.
All track "guys" change their oil after each major event. It is very inexpensive insurance.
And hey...BTW...how are Penny and The Songbird? (If you're as old as me you'll know what that means!
)
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Also, a few years ago, I toured the Porsche factory and watched them build an engine, they put it on the engine check station and would run the engine, cold, up to red line to check the engine data. When it passed, it was put into inventory waiting to be put into a car. Now, the engines are tested as they are being assembled and once done are put into inventory with out each one being run on a test stand.
