Abstract: A first characteristic operating value, for example the amount of transmissible clutch torque, in a motor vehicle power train with an engine is controlled by using at least a second characteristic value. The second characteristic value is subject to adaptation, if necessary, during an operating phase of the motor vehicle. The method steps are: starting the engine; and assuring that for a predetermined first time period after starting the engine, the first characteristic operating value is controlled independently of the second characteristic value, wherein the predetermined first time period depends on at least one predetermined third characteristic operating value.