Bokx_350

I got this message on the instrument cluster: "Check coolant level, see operator's manual." It's not a red msg, which means I can drive the car to the dealer. After checking the manual and checking where the coolant fill line is, I indeed have low coolant. My current coolant level is about one inch below the black part of the tank (dont need to open the tank to see that).

I couldnt get the cap off the coolant tank BTW, it was jammed or something, It seemed I was going to brake the tank's brackets if I tried any harder, but that is another story.

Anyways, I'm off to the dealer to get more coolant, but Im kind of concearned about this. Is it normal for a new car to consume coolant? or is there something wrong with mine. My '00 Audi A4 didn't start consuming coolant till year 4, and it had all sorts of problems by then.

I have my car since august 10, 2007 (one of the first one here), but it only has 9000 miles on it. What are yout thoughts?

kevin1446

I parked my car in the garage on Friday and it was real cold in New York this past weekend. When I went to start it this morning I had the same message "Check coolant Level". When I checked, it was about an inch below the level they say it should be filled to. I have 17,000 mile on my 2008. I am just going to add some this evening after it cools down. This is also the first time I have ever had to add coolant to a car that a year old. I usually purchase a new auto every 24 to 30 months. I wonder is the sensor is just touchy when it gets cold?

GPI

I just had the same message on mine as well. I was also wondering why the coolant level would be low for a new car. My car is only around 11,000 miles.

Stryder04

thats funny i got the same message like a week ago. i was going to start a thread about it but i got lazy. im at about 9000 miles, my question is can i drive another 1000 or so miles until my annual oil change is required and let them worry about it or just head to the local advance auto parts and pick up some coolant?

VD$

My car was showing this message when temperature drops for a few weeks. Went to the dealer and they had to replace coolant tank and a faulty sensor. So it was not just (or not at all) coolant level issue. Let you dealer inspect where the real problem is...

Bokx_350

I'm glad to hear it is not just my car.

The dealer filled the coolant tank to the right level (not that it was missing much anyways), they also check the coolant tank and lines for leaks, and performed a preassure test on the tank. Everything is fine. All under warrany.

My SA said that it had to do with the cold wather.

VD$

I thought so when I got it as well. And it was popping up on cold days only. By I run W203 for 3 years and never had this issue. So there is something in W204 design that triggers all wired messages.

Carsy

I would say that it is relatively normal to loose some coolant through evaporation during a period of 12 months & 10,000 miles. My previous vehicles did.

It is wise to check the coolant level monthly , noting any level changes . I have bought 1 litre of MB coolant for such a purpose.

I was amazed to read that the coolant does not req to be changed for 15 years!!

bluejae

i thought i was the only one, i have a little over 5000 miles on my C63 and i got this message a couple of times. but it's not consistent. it was pretty cold here in dallas off and on. should i take it to the dealer?

Carsy

Buy some MB coolant from your dealer & top it up yourself . When there, ask whether you have to dilute it with demineralised water.( obtained from the supermarket). You may find it interesting & satisfying to learn more about the workings of your MB . I do .

C300Sport

I was amazed to read that the coolant does not req to be changed for 15 years!![/QUOTE]

Seriously...15 years...that is crazy but nice to not have to worry with.

Bobby204

Happened to my car in cold weather too (Seattle started snowing couple weeks ago.) Cooland level looks fine (2/3 filled)

451/443=EW

I havnt had this issue, again my car is underground. I suspect the temp has somthing to do with this.

430752

started happening a few weeks ago when temp got cold. Funny thing was that it happened only a week or so after I took it in for the first oil change. You'd a thought they checked the level, and they pro'lly did. At first it only threw a warning notice in the morning when go to work. Now, if its cold, it'll throw a notice whenever I start the car (in morning, to go to lunch, to return from lunch, to go home at night, etc.) But, as soon as it warms up, no notice thrown.

You'd think the engineers would've accounted for cold weather? They probably did, and this is probably a faulty piece of equipment, etc. Recall anyone? This car is really turning out to be a POS. Okay, unfair, not a POS, but not as reliable as the ford, honda, chevy and saab's I drove in the recent past.

C300Sport

Sounds like the coolant level sensor may be just a little over sensitive.

Carsy

For Christ's Sake ,,Put in a little more coolant & raise the level .Happy New Year.

XtinaNoel

i got a c63 mine came on 2 but went away it happen like 2 times since it been cold out

C300Sport

There may be a TSB on this one as it seems pretty common. Anyone have a good link to keep us updated current TSBs??

Aggressive

I has this message c ome up about 3 weeks ago. I have has me C300 at the dealer alot latly and had them check this out too. They replaced a coolant hose and one of my belts because it was contaminated with coolant. I had a little over 19,000 miles when this happened. I have NEVER had to add coolant to a car that is a year old. The problems with this car just keep adding up.

430752

I agree to a large extent, but by that token when your stereo craps out is it okay to say just put a boom box in the ride and all is good? Or if your cabin fan conks out, get a 12v powered clip-on fan and let it ride? And the larger problem is just how did a car with 12k miles on it less than one year old lose 1/4 or 1/3 of its coolant? Is it just a small thing or a bigger thing?

yeah, its a coolant issue. No big deal likely. But if I wanted no big deal headaches I'd have bought a hyundai. I bought a merc. at least they should have the quality a ford, chevy or dodge has. I agree with Aggressive that little stuff keeps piling up.

Rampage1929

hahha

eminnet

Still you can check yourself when engine is hot (and the weather is cold) if there is any sign of steam around the engine, if yes problem may be minor, like hoses or hose fittings.
Worst cases: -liner crack
-cylinder cover or gasket damaged

Derspeed

The coolant light in my Volvo comes on every winter. I just add a little. I was told that coolant sometimes shrinks in the winter. We all know it expands when it's very hot.

Carsy

Trade it in on a Chevy or top up your coolant . Pretty simple.

ctgilles

LOL, MB build quality has been improving since the new millennium. Ford, Chevy and Dodge quality? Would take an MB over those things anyday.