SL/R230: SL600 - Break-In Period
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,875
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
SL600 - Break-In Period
I have read different thoughts on engine breaking-in and wanted to get some input for members of this forum. I a couple weeks I am getting my 2005 SL600, do I need to take it easy on the engine for a while??? Any feedback will be appreciated. I am counting down the days and feel like a kid at Christmas.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 298
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From: Boston
SL600, A8L W12, Continental GT, Range Rover SC
While I think modern engines are manufactured to such tight tolerances they don’t need it, my sense is that break-in is important for the other driveline components. For example, it allows the transmission and differential gears to work-harden. In particular, I tried to avoid full power in first or second gear during my 600's break-in, since the torque multiplication of the low gears puts huge stresses on the car’s driveline.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
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From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
The owner's manual provides some guidance:
1) For first 1000 miles, drive at varying but moderate vehicle and engine speeds
2) Avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and excessive engine speeds (no more than 2/3 max rpm in each gear
3) Avoid acceleration by kickdown
4) Do not attempt to slow the vehicle down by shifting to a lower gear using the gear selector lever
5) Select positions 3, 2 or 1 only when driving at moderate speeds (for hill driving)
6) Select C (comfort mode) as the preferred shift program for the first 1000 miles
7) After 1000 miles you may gradually increase vehicle and engine speeds to permissible maximum
There is additional advice for AMG vehicles that includes not exceeding 85 mph and engine speeds above 4500 rpm.
If your experience is anything like mine was when I made my first "purposeful" pass of another vehicle at highway speeds, you will find it challenging to stay beneath the "permissible maximum" (unless you live near the Autobahn). This thing scoots fom 60 to 90 quickly and effortlessly and will leave you with an ear to ear grin.
Everything that you read about the 600 is true. You will love it. And by the way, I defy you to find fault with the brakes. Any problems regarding the feel of the SBC that may have existed in the past appear to have been resolved.
1) For first 1000 miles, drive at varying but moderate vehicle and engine speeds
2) Avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and excessive engine speeds (no more than 2/3 max rpm in each gear
3) Avoid acceleration by kickdown
4) Do not attempt to slow the vehicle down by shifting to a lower gear using the gear selector lever
5) Select positions 3, 2 or 1 only when driving at moderate speeds (for hill driving)
6) Select C (comfort mode) as the preferred shift program for the first 1000 miles
7) After 1000 miles you may gradually increase vehicle and engine speeds to permissible maximum
There is additional advice for AMG vehicles that includes not exceeding 85 mph and engine speeds above 4500 rpm.
If your experience is anything like mine was when I made my first "purposeful" pass of another vehicle at highway speeds, you will find it challenging to stay beneath the "permissible maximum" (unless you live near the Autobahn). This thing scoots fom 60 to 90 quickly and effortlessly and will leave you with an ear to ear grin.
Everything that you read about the 600 is true. You will love it. And by the way, I defy you to find fault with the brakes. Any problems regarding the feel of the SBC that may have existed in the past appear to have been resolved.
Last edited by JackStraw; Aug 14, 2004 at 11:55 AM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 152
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From: australia
sl 500
my car just reached 1100km today, washing it this afternoon and then going for a spin !!!!
it is spring weather here at the moment .......YIPEEEE!!!!!
Jackstraw points are all correct........but every now and then let loose and have fun. You are not keeping your car forever so heck, punch it now and then, sell the car in 3 years time and get the facelifted model...like me!
ENJOY
monty
it is spring weather here at the moment .......YIPEEEE!!!!!
Jackstraw points are all correct........but every now and then let loose and have fun. You are not keeping your car forever so heck, punch it now and then, sell the car in 3 years time and get the facelifted model...like me!
ENJOY
monty
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
What JackStraw wrote above is a good quote from the owner's manual. I think the occasional spirited driving is ok; well, I know I cannot control myself even though I can read the manual just as well as anyone. You see, I just got my 600 one week ago, and I just cannot stop grinning every time I step on the gas for some spirited driving. It's such a rush! Just the other day, I encounted slow traffic (60km/hr), so I did a full throttle left lane pass (not pass the kick down level) and the car just peeled away. I was at 160km/hr before I could exhale from my gasp.
Stick to what the owner's manual recommend? I know I cannot do it even if it is just for the first 1600km.
Stick to what the owner's manual recommend? I know I cannot do it even if it is just for the first 1600km.
