SL55lova

Just wondering guys (Owners of SL55),
is there any break-in period for the SL55 engine?
For example; you can't go over a certain speed or RPM till you go over certain miles.

I'm just wondering so when I get my car, I wanted to smoke the tieres in my agent's face. :p

blueSL

I think it's 4000 rpm for the first 1000 km.

Mike

I think one of the standard tests, done by AMG, is to run the completed motor for 30 minutes at redline. After that, I don't think a breakin period means much.

AndrewEclipse

30 minutes at redline????? Holy crap! Are you sure??

blueSL

I've seen Porsche test engines on visits to Zuffenhausen and they put them on a dyno to measure power and torque and this includes brief periods of full speed running but not as long as 30 minutes and they build the speed in stages. Presumably, they know how quickly it will let go if an engine is bad . It's all done in a shatterproof, sound proof booth but got the impression it rarely happens.

I think it's sensible though to take it easy for the first little while. Tolerances may be tighter than they used to be, but you'll regret overdoing it when you sign the check for the engine rebuild 3 years down the road...

EBMCS03

And dont forget u arnt jsut breaking in the engine but other parts of the car too.

SL55lova

Thank you guys.
So now I have to put that in minde. "Visit agent after hetting 1000 miles".

GMW

It is not so much the engine that needs breaking in as it is the other mechanical parts in the car such as drivetrain, differentials, etc. With the engine I usually feel it break in a bit around 2000-3000miles then again around 7000 then finally around 12,000 to 14,000 miles. I would personally keep full acceleration blasts to an absolute minimum untill I clear 1000 then I would gradually ease the car into it.

davidegai

According to the SL 500/55 manual (there is only one manual), during the first 1500 Km, one should:

1) avoid keeping constant RPM
2) do not exceed 4000 RPM
3) avoid kickdown.

Let me add that during that period it is important to be extremely gentle with the engine during warm up, which is very short on the SL 55

AndrewEclipse

So your saying you shouldnt warm up the car for a long time? Whats a good time for warmup then?

SilverSL55

The SL 55 manual states to keep the RPM's and speeds low but variable for the first 1000 miles. I have also been advised to change the oil after the first 1000-1500 miles.

blueSL

I guess it's no different from any other car, the most important thing is that the oil is up to temperature because its viscosity is then reduced, ensuring proper lubrication.

Engine wear occurs mostly in the first few minutes after starting when the oil is cold and viscous and less effective in lubricating the engine. It's best to warm up the engine by starting the car and driving away gently immediately. Leaving the engine idling in your driveway increases the warm-up time because the engine is doing the minimum amount of work and stressing the engine increases the wear.

Modern car engines, and especially the exhaust systems, are designed to warm up quickly to allow them to meet pollution standards.