Mercedes-Benz 380 SL 1985, Owner'S Manual

Page: 56 / 97

Safe Driving The First 1500 km/1000 Miles
Driving Economically
Emission Control
Certain systems of the engine
serve to keep the toxic compo­
nents of the exhaust gases within
permissible limits required by law.
(Nevertheless, we urgently advise
you not to let the engine run in a
closed garage.) These systems, of
course, will function properly only
when maintained strictly according
to factory specifications. Any
adjustments on the engine should,
therefore, be carried out only by
qualified MERCEDES-BENZ techni­
cians. The adjustments of the
engine should not be altered in any
way. Moreover, the specified ser­
vice and maintenance jobs must be
carried out regularly according to
MERCEDES-BENZ servicing re­
quirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.
The more cautiously you treat your
engine during the break-in period,
the more satisfied you will be with
its performance later on. Therefore,
drive your vehicle during the first
1500 km/1000 miles at moderate
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy
loads (full throttle driving) and high
RPMs (no more than % of maxi­
mum permissible speed in each
gear).
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It
is not recommended to brake the
vehicle by manually shifting to a
lower gear. We recommend to
select positions “3” or “2” only at
moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1500 km/1000 miles speeds
may gradually be increased to the
permissible maximum.
Economical Driving Indicator
(ECONOMY)
The indicator shows the fuel con­
sumption tendency during various
driving modes.
High fuel consumption is indicated
if the pointer moves into the red
area; economical driving is indicat­
ed when it is in the black area. The
indications should only be com­
pared within the same gear.
Do not compare fuel consumption
readings between different gears.
The following rule applies: If you
drive at equal speeds, the fuel con­
sumption is lower in the higher
gear, although in this gear the poin­
ter indicates mostly more in the red
area.