2011 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 140

138 Driving Vehicle equipment i This manual describes all the standard and optional equipment of your vehicle which was available at the time of purchase. Country-specific differences are possible. Note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all functions described. Notes on breaking in a new vehicle The first 1000 miles (1500 km) The more you look after the engine when it is new, the happier you will be with its performance in the future. at varying vehicle speeds and engine speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km) for this reason. RAvoid overstraining the vehicle during this period, e.g. driving at full throttle. RChange gear in good time, at the latest when the tachometer needle is ⅔ of the way to the red area in the tachometer display. RDo not manually shift to a lower gear to brake the vehicle. RIf possible, do not depress the accelerator pedal past the point of resistance (kickdown). ROnly select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain. After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase the engine speed gradually and bring the vehicle up to full speed. Additional breaking-in notes for AMG vehicles: Rdo RDrive i Also, observe these breaking-in notes when the vehicle's engine, front-axle transmission or differential have been replaced. i Always observe the respective speed restrictions. Driving Important safety guidelines G Warning Make sure absolutely no objects are obstructing the pedals' range of movement. Keep the driver's footwell clear of all obstacles. If there are any floormats or carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals still have sufficient clearance. During sudden driving or braking maneuvers the objects could get caught between the pedals. You could then no longer brake or accelerate. This could lead to accidents and injury. Driving and parking G Warning On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control. G Warning not drive faster than 85 mph (140 km/h) in the first 1000 miles (1500 km). Ronly allow the engine to reach a maximum engine speed of 4500 rpm briefly. Rshift gear in good time. Rif possible, drive in drive program C for the first 1000 miles (1500 km). It is dangerous to shift the automatic transmission out of parking position P or neutral position N if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal. G Warning! HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read the HYBRID Supplemental Operating