294 OperationIn the “Operation” section you will find 
detailed information on operating, 
maintaining and caring for your vehicle.The first 1 000 miles (1 500 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 
1 000 miles (1 500 km) at varying but 
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads 
(full throttle driving) and excessive 
engine speeds (no more than 
2/3 of 
maximum rpm in each gear).
Shift gears in a timely manner.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown.
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 modeC as the preferred shift 
program (
page 170) for the first 
1 000 miles (1 500 km).After 1 000 miles (1 500 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 
driving the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) 
after the engine or the rear differential has 
been replaced.
!Additional instructions for AMG 
vehicles:
During the first 1 000 miles 
(1 500 km), do not exceed a speed 
of 85 mph (140 km / h).
During this period, avoid engine 
speeds above 4 500 rpm in each 
gear.
iAlways obey applicable speed limits. 
458 Technical termsMultifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
OCS
(O
ccupant C
lassification S
ystem) 
The system automatically turns the 
front passenger front air bag on or off 
based on the classified occupant size 
category determined by weight sensor 
readings from the seat.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking 
on the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine speed range, as it may result in se-
rious engine damage that is not 
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited 
Warranty.Parktronic (Parking assist)*
System which uses visual and acoustic 
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator, 
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.
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/axlesProgram mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operationS and 
comfort operationC.
CLK 55 AMG with steering wheel gear-
shift control and manual shift program: 
In addition toS andC (for standardS 
or comfortC operation, see above) you 
can use theM for manual shift 
program.