Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Driving and parking

Break-in Notice

In this manual: Driving and parking
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~2min read

The break-in notes for the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) explain how to break in the engine and drivetrain gently in order to extend their service life. Particular emphasis is placed on avoiding high engine speeds and loads during the first 1500 km. Additional recommendations are given for AMG models, including an early oil change for the differential.

Important Safety Notes

The sensors of some driving and driving safety systems adjust themselves automatically over a certain distance after the vehicle is delivered or after a repair. Full system effectiveness is only achieved once this learning process is complete.

New or replaced brake pads and brake discs only reach optimum braking performance after several hundred kilometers. Compensate for the reduced braking effect by applying firmer pressure to the brake pedal.

The first 1500 km

The more you protect the engine at the beginning, the more satisfied you will be with its performance later on.
  • Therefore, during the first 1500 km, drive at varying speeds and engine speeds.
  • Avoid high loads during this time, e.g. driving at full throttle.
  • Shift up in good time, at the latest when the tachometer needle reaches the red zone of the tachometer display.
  • Do not downshift manually to brake.
  • Vehicles with automatic transmission: avoid pressing the accelerator pedal past the pressure point (kickdown) where possible.
Additional break-in notes for AMG vehicles:
  • Do not drive faster than 140 km/h during the first 1500 km.
  • Only briefly raise the engine to a maximum speed of 4500 rpm.
From 1500 km you can continuously increase engine speed and accelerate the vehicle to full speed.

Info

Observe these break-in notes even if the engine or parts of the drivetrain have been replaced on your vehicle.

AMG vehicles with rear-axle limited-slip differential

Your vehicle is equipped with a self-locking differential on the rear axle.

To better protect the differential on the rear axle, carry out an oil change:

  • after a break-in period of 3000 km
  • every 50000 km or 3 years
These oil changes extend the service life of the differential. Have the oil change carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

The break-in notes for the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) serve to protect the engine and drivetrain. Gentle use during the first 1500 km ensures full performance and long service life of the engine. AMG models in particular require special care, for example with the rear-axle limited-slip differential.

With these recommendations, the E-Class shows how important precision and care are in the early phase of use – further evidence of the engineering excellence of Mercedes-Benz.

Question: Why is it important to follow the break-in notes?

Answer: They protect the engine and drivetrain, promote long service life and prevent premature wear.

Question: When is an oil change on the rear axle differential of an AMG model required?

Answer: After the 3000 km break-in period, and every 50,000 km or three years.

Test yourself

A quick Mercedes-Benz E-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.