258 OperationIn the “Operation” section you will find de-
tailed information on operating, maintain-
ing and caring for your vehicle.The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle 
during the break-in period, the more satis-
fied you will be with its performance later 
on.
Drive your vehicle during the first 
1000 miles (1500 km) at varying but 
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads 
(full throttle driving) and excessive en-
gine speeds (no more than 
2/3 of maxi-
mum rpm in each gear).
Avoid accelerating by kick-down.
Do not attempt to slow the vehicle 
down by shifting to a lower gear using 
the gear selector lever.
Select positions3,2or1 only when 
driving at moderate speeds (for hill 
driving).
Select C as the preferred shift program 
(page 172) for the first 1000 miles 
1500 km).After 1000 miles (1500 km), you may 
gradually increase vehicle and engine 
speeds to the permissible maximum.
All of the above instructions, as may apply 
to your vehicle type, also apply when driv-
ing the first 1000 miles (1500 km) after 
the engine or the rear differential has been 
replaced.
!Additional instructions for AMG vehi-
cles:
During the first 1000 miles 
(1500 km), do not exceed a speed 
of 85 mph (140 km/h).
During this period, avoid engine 
speeds above 4500 rpm 
(CL 55 AMG) or 4000 rpm 
(CL 65 AMG) in each gear.
iAlways obey applicable speed limits.  
423 Technical terms
Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit 
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing:
Engine
Clutch/torque converter
Transmission
Transfer case
Drive shaft
Differential
Axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operationS and 
comfort operationC.
CL 55 AMG and CL 65 AMG with steer-
ing wheel gearshift control and manual 
shift program: in addition toS andC 
(see above), you can useM for manual 
operationREST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat 
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, air bags 
and child restraint systems. As inde-
pendent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.
RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized 
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both 
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number) 
and RON (Research Octane Number) is 
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock 
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being inadvertently moved out 
of positionP without the SmartKey 
turned and the brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and air bags. Though independent 
systems, they are closely interfaced to 
provide effective occupant protection.