gadgetman7

What is the best over the counter coolant to use in the MB's, when the MB coolant is not available from a MB dealership? I have friends say they have used other brand name coolants (not original MB Coolant) and have had to replace their water pump with in a few months, because the over counter coolants do not have the protective additive to protect the aluminum parts internally.

ANY COMMENTS OR SUGESTIONS ON WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE?

MTI

The MB coolant is made by Valvoline in the USA for Mercedes. Valvoline also makes Zerex G-05, which is an approved substitute at a substantial cost difference. Other brands are also Mercedes approved, provided that they meet the G-05 spec.

Note the unusual similarity in the jugs.

PhilipM1

The coolant I put in says its save for all engine types? Is that not accurate?

faithful_lothario

as long as the coolant is certified to provide protection to aluminum parts it should be fine..


as a side note, my car has recently been drinking alot of coolant. There are no visual leaks though, but the car does lose all of its coolant every 2 weeks.

Wolf190

idk about all this specific antifreeze stuff because I just go down to NAPA and buy some Prestone whenever I do a flush or need to top it off. Never had any problems in my 190, or in the 300d I drove for almost 2 years before that.

MTI

If there's no substantial difference in price between the recommended coolant and other brands . . . and the maintenance cycle of coolant is 2 years . . . what's the point of not using it?