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We're talking about the coolant level sensor here? (The opening thread was about oil.) My coolant level sensor is a simple 2-electrode arrangement that uses the coolant's electric conductivity -- no moving parts. But it's possible that electrodes could develop corrosion and malfunction (although I would think coolant corrosion inhibitors would prevent this).
This is correct regarding the coolant level sensor in the reservoir. It is the same function of the windshield washer reservoir sensor, and they look the same as well.
If you peer into the coolant res while empty, towards the front right corner (right if you are facing the engine), you will see the 2 electrode "prongs" facing upward inside of its own little enclosure within the reservoir. (Relative to the electrical plug Tim pointed out).
Along with the built-in sensor, there is also the "additive packet". Quotation for the fact I forget the entirety of this packet and the precise role, but it short it is a grain/sand like compound which allows our coolant to live the life it does.
G05 spec coolant is older than our blue G48 (MB 325.0). My sister's 2007 W203 (2.5L M272) has G05 from factory. It has been discontinued for some time officially and even our 325.0 spec is now discontinued from MB but still available via Zerex G48. I used to be able to get the blue stuff from my local dealer, but they now only offer Zerex themselves. If memory serves, G05 is OAT & G48 is HOAT spec.
When I had some work done at my local MB dealer a few months ago they billed me for "Zerex G48 Coolant"
I heard there was some type of silic packette in the cooling system but I can not find it mentioned anywhere in the repair/maintenance manuals. I came across alot of VW people who shows some type of packette in the coolant reservoir. I wrote to FCP Euro asking if any of the replacement coolant reservoirs they sell come with a packette and was told no.
My 2010 Maintenance manual says replace coolant at 15yrs/150,000 miles. Then after that the next time it mentions to replace the coolant is after another 15yrs/150,000 miles.
I find it interesting that Zerex itself shows 5yr/150,000 miles guarantee, not 15 years. Mine is now over 150,000 miles so i will be replacing the coolant sooner just to be safe.
When I had some work done at my local MB dealer a few months ago they billed me for "Zerex G48 Coolant"
I heard there was some type of silic packette in the cooling system but I can not find it mentioned anywhere in the repair/maintenance manuals. I came across alot of VW people who shows some type of packette in the coolant reservoir. I wrote to FCP Euro asking if any of the replacement coolant reservoirs they sell come with a packette and was told no.
My 2010 Maintenance manual says replace coolant at 15yrs/150,000 miles. Then after that the next time it mentions to replace the coolant is after another 15yrs/150,000 miles.
I find it interesting that Zerex itself shows 5yr/150,000 miles guarantee, not 15 years. Mine is now over 150,000 miles so i will be replacing the coolant sooner just to be safe.
Just a heads up, when I did the coolant flush on my car around the time I started this thread, I replaced the coolant reservoir for that silica packet mentioned being in there. I ordered mine from FCP (granted it was a genuine mercedes part) and you could hear the silica smacking around in a little packet when you shake it.
As for the 5 year to 15 year extended thing, I believe that’s the purpose of the silica. It’s the same stuff they put in food like jerky to help make it last longer, so I believe the idea is the silica helps act like a filter of some kind and keep it fresh for said 15 years.
Here’s the view from Motor Information Systems of Hearst Publishing.
Mercedes’ coolant jug contains a silica gel bag (yes, something similar to the packets designed to absorb moisture in camera cases, etc.). However, with a coolant containing silicate inhibitors, the silica gel helps maintain a stable level of silicate protection over the years. Mercedes has long used the silica gel bag, and the protection level is supported by field experience. The packet is built into the jug and is a life-of-the-car item.
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