ML550 Break in period
 

The owners manual suggests a " break in" of 1,000 miles. Any feedback/suggestions?

Breakin period is correct - follow the instructions - then after drive your 550 like a mad-woman - and enjoy it !

I'm looking forward to that! :-)
My question is, the owners manual just suggests varying my speed, or I would guess varying the RPM's would be most important? I've always taken that to heart with my new vehicles and I've never used cruise control during the first 1000 miles. I'm just curious what other members do for the "break in" period? I've been told that it's really not necessary anymore to do that, just don't floor it (can't wait to do that!)?

Break-in is a myth! Drive it like you stole it :)

I agree, especially with turbo'd vehicles. Drive it hard so the turbos break in nice and good.

Audi has so many issues with their 2.0T motors with oil consumption from people babying it during the break in period. They found out people that drove the piss out of them didn't have any issues.

Same with Ford and their Ecotec motors... drive em like you stole them and allow the turbos to break in hard.

Thank you. :-)
That's how I WANT to drive it!

I was wondering the same thing about the break in period. I'll be picking up my new 550 next week!

I live 500 km from my dealer, so the majority of my break in time will be highway driving home. I'll avoid the cruise control, but I'll take every opportunity to give it some gas and overtake the transport trucks!

I'm just headed to pick up my new ML from getting an invisible bra put on. I'd HIGHLY recommend you have this put on before you make your road trip. Especially in light of the fact that you mentioned trucks!
I had one on my last ML and it saved me from many chips!!

You will find as many opinions on break-in procedures as you will on oil-change intervals and tire pressures.

I strongly considered it for this vehicle, but in the end I opted out for a few reasons:

1. I don't usually buy into the various "protection" options that the dealers try to sell you.

2. Because of all the highway driving I do, I've learned to accept that my "baby" will get a few bumps and scrapes along the way.

3. I have a perfectionist auto paint detailer in my family who can make most chips disappear.....for free!

There are many "opinions" about break-in period - what would be the "gain" for Mercedes to steer you on break in in the "wrong" direction on that for 1st 1000 miles ?

Hand-cut bra in VentureShield material is awesome - not one of those computer "cut" whiz kits - and VentureShield MUCH better than Xpel on front end protection - VS is thicker and more impact resistant material but not commonly used by the computer kit cut guys since hand cutting is best way to get any bra to sit right especially at edges.

Keep the beat !

I just had the VentureShield installed today. It ran $1200 for full hood, bumper, headlights, front fenders, mirrors and door handles. I've used this company for all of our vehicles (I own a window covering company and we use Mercedes Sprinter Vans for our sales and installations). We also did my husbands GMC Sierra Denali. It really is worth it. I never asked the dealer what they charge because I have a relationship with the company that does installs for many of the local dealers here. I think that $1200 is very reasonable. In fact, I'm going to have my doors and rear bumper done next week.

I agree on the break in. I saw my salesperson today and when I told her that I'm averaging 9 MPG, she said I definitely know where my right foot is!!! Lol. I am varying my speed/RPM's and I'm doing my best??!! Not to floor it......

The perfectionist in the family helps! :-)
I'd still recommend doing it. For $1200 it's worth it! You don't need to go through the dealer. Go to VentureShield's web site and search for someone in the area of where you're getting your car.
I just think that it's much better to have the original paint whenever possible!
:-)
Enjoy your new ride! I LOVE mine!!

Who is 'they'?

I am ME and I do not believe you should drive the p|ss out a new vehicle but also agree that it should be broken in with moderation.

That is just me.