alpinestar_k

I've been getting the low coolant warning light every now and then...reservoir is a little low, but not that low below the fill line, so I decided to picked up some MB coolant from local euro shop ($17/gallon there vs. $28 dealer, woooo!) since I was already getting some new wiper blades. I noticed that the MB coolant is orange and the fluid in my tank looks to be bluish - anyone know if that was ever the color of MB coolant or Zerex? I only recall orange...not trying to start the MB OEM coolant vs. after-market coolant debate, but just curious before I add.

Thanks for any info if anyone's got it!

RichardM98

Current MB approved antifreeze and Zerez G05 are yellow and light yellow when diluted to 50:50. There was an effort at one time to color antifreeze based on it's application but I don't think all manufacturers of antifreeze complied so the color is at best only a likely indicator.

If yours is blue now, I'd suggest thorough flushing with plain water until everything comes clear before putting in your MB OEM antifreeze. BTW, most of us use distilled water from grocery store to dilute although MB says tap water is okay unless you know your water to be acidic or excessively hard.

Hope this helps some.

alpinestar_k

ah, makes sense...I was originally thinking to just do a flush like you said so that it would run clear and then add in the 50/50 oem mix - good to have reassurance on that. Thanks for the info.

You know, the other funny part about the whole thing was that when I asked about the Zerex, the owner acted like it was the worst s**t in the world and she even mentioned she hoped no one even sold it anymore...not that I can find it anywhere, but still.

Semikolon

The European original MB coolant is blue/green and sold in 1,5 liter bottles (approx 0,4 gallon).
Why is the MB coolant different in US?

RichardM98

UPDATE:

I recently found a thread on antifreeze with the following information (not verified).

In an email response from the makers (Valvoline) of Zerex G05 they stated it is NOT the same as the Mercedes Benz Antifreeze. It is COMPATIBLE only. [source: sokoloff @benzworld.org]

Also, some are reporting that the blue colored MB antifreeze sold in Europe is now starting to show up in the US.

Note that newer models of E-Class have a packet of chemicals in the expansion tank and coolant service cycles are up to 15 years! Whether this new blue colored coolant is for that application or not I don't know.

alpinestar_k

Huh. Well go figure...thanks for passing that along Richard...just when we all think we have it figured out, MB must throw us a German curve ball...

..so now I'm wondering if I should even drain that out until it runs clear...if the euro mb spec is blue, I couldn't think the orange US mb spec fluid would harm it..but something about mixing just doesn't seem right - and well, I don't even think I'll risk the 15 year mark

I'm also starting to wonder if I should try capping to the fill line with some diluted water before draining to see if that would stop the alert from coming up. The level isn't too low, but I don't want to throw off the balance.

Thanks again for passing that along

RichardM98

MB recommends coolant flush every three years regardless of mileage for W210 era models. The 15 yr thing is for W212's.

If it were me I would flush and replenish with MB spec at 50:50. BTW, while 50:50 is the optimum concentration, 45:55 to 55:45 is acceptable. So adding a little water won't have much affect. More than a liter (qt) will put you outside the range. But at that point you should be looking for a leak!

Semikolon

I have the 15year/250 000km coolant on both my 210s. I think it was introduced on 2000 or 2001 models in Europe. Wasn't this introduced in US until now?

RichardM98

Not that I know of. I just read a post (where?) a few days ago by someone who said they got the blue in liters from a dealership in the US (back east?). That's the first I've heard of any in the US.