C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Low coolant warning, false alarm?

Old Aug 12, 2007 | 11:43 AM
  #1  
M5CLK's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
'02 C32; '02 M5; '08 328i (US)
Low coolant warning, false alarm?

Hmm.. I got the low coolant level warning last nite, I was close to home and it was very late so I thought I'd deal with it in the morning. And my GF took the car out early in the morning and she said everything was fine and no warning... So I checked the coolant and it was like 0.5 liter down, it was hardly even low at all..

When should the warning starts to come up? I thought it would be at least half the tank empty before it's triggered? Was it just a false alarm, or would it be possible be a false???
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 02:30 AM
  #2  
m5q8's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
me too
I saw warning coolant , and when I add water it is warning about also 1 day
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 10:56 AM
  #3  
Fifth Ring's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Keep an eye on it. It could be a sign that coolant is leaking into the transmission, which is a not-uncommon problem with the C32. In fact, it does serious damage to the transmission, so if the warning recurs, I'd have it looked at ASAP.
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 11:32 AM
  #4  
sales@eurocharged.com's Avatar
SPONSOR
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,909
Likes: 130
From: Houston
C63S
If it continues, you could have a leak in your Intercooler. Pull the intake plenums and look down in the intake runners / head. If you see any build up, then you will know your IC is leaking.
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 11:38 AM
  #5  
m444's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Silicon valley
Audi C7.5 S6
Yeah, it is a very high probability, that you have a leak in the supercharger intercooler, which is cheaper to fix than replacing transmission and radiator.

Have this checked soon. The IC is around $1800 and the supercharger must be removed to replace the IC (additional labor). This is VERY common.
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 01:36 PM
  #6  
pshek's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 2
From: Diamond Bar & Anaheim, CA
2003 C-Class Sportcoupe
If the intercooler core is leaking, then shouldn't you be able tell by looking at the exhaust fumes? I saw a Kleeman CLK55 W208 that had a leaking intercooler core, and when I looked at the exhaust fumes, you could see steam that seemed to hang in the air. Another way to test would be to check for glycol contamination in the transmission fluid.
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 01:49 PM
  #7  
Fifth Ring's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Originally Posted by pshek
If the intercooler core is leaking, then shouldn't you be able tell by looking at the exhaust fumes? I saw a Kleeman CLK55 W208 that had a leaking intercooler core, and when I looked at the exhaust fumes, you could see steam that seemed to hang in the air. Another way to test would be to check for glycol contamination in the transmission fluid.
I also wonder if a gas analyzer could pick it up at the exhaust pipe, even if it was not visible. It's possible that the combustion process and the catalytic converter eliminate any visible steam.
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 04:46 PM
  #8  
m444's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Silicon valley
Audi C7.5 S6
Initially, the only sign I had was a minor amount of lost coolant. The simple pressure leak check on the cooling system confirmed a leak. The surge tank removal confirmed the IC core was leaking.

A glycol check for the transmission, indicated, the transmission was fine, no contamination.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 06:24 PM
  #9  
Slater126's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
2002 C32, 2011 VW GTI
Originally Posted by m444
Initially, the only sign I had was a minor amount of lost coolant. The simple pressure leak check on the cooling system confirmed a leak. The surge tank removal confirmed the IC core was leaking.

A glycol check for the transmission, indicated, the transmission was fine, no contamination.
FWIW, my old '04 C230 was famous for this. The warning would come on about twice per year (usually in the winter). The coolant level didn't seem low upon a visual inspection, but I'd add a little splash and the warning would go away. The car never had any problems and always checked out fine when serviced. Thus far, my C32 hasn't given me the warning, but I've only owned it about 5 months. Maybe the W203 coolant level detector is a bit sensitive?
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2007 | 10:46 PM
  #10  
m444's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Silicon valley
Audi C7.5 S6
On a C32, when the coolant gets low, there is a reason and it usually means a repair is needed. I added about 4oz of water about 4 times in about 4 weeks, when it was leaking
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2007 | 12:00 AM
  #11  
M5CLK's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
'02 C32; '02 M5; '08 328i (US)
Thanks guys, but my radiator has been replaced so it's not that. And leaving only the IC core. I had the manifold checked like a month ago and it was fine, and pressure test/visual inspection also checked out. But I still suspect some leak since it IS down by 0.5 liters now..

Maybe it's in early stage of leaking, that's why the manifolds still looks fine, but yeah, I'll keep an eye out. Thanks guys.
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2007 | 12:01 AM
  #12  
wawy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 28
From: Western Canada
2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
I am currently waiting for a new intercooler to come in for this very reason.
After they pulled the intake runners they looked just like the pictures someone posted on the site.........
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2007 | 12:38 AM
  #13  
M5CLK's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
'02 C32; '02 M5; '08 328i (US)
Just wondering, *if* my IC core is leaking, besides replacing the core, what else needs to be done? Obviously cleaning up the manifolds, but to what extend the shop needs to take things apart? And what steps need to be done to ensure the residues are cleaned off? Thanks!
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2007 | 01:14 PM
  #14  
hkycoldrct's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
2002 C32 ///AMG
Originally Posted by wawy
I am currently waiting for a new intercooler to come in for this very reason.
After they pulled the intake runners they looked just like the pictures someone posted on the site.........
WAWY,

Do you recall the link you were refereing too? I'd like to take a look at those pictures.
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2007 | 01:31 PM
  #15  
Ryanr317's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,147
Likes: 2
From: Central Florida
R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
I don't know about the C32's but sometimes on the other C's, a low level of washer fluid can trigger the low colant level warning. Top up the washer fluid and see if it makes a difference.
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2007 | 04:11 PM
  #16  
wawy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 28
From: Western Canada
2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
Originally Posted by hkycoldrct
WAWY,

Do you recall the link you were refereing too? I'd like to take a look at those pictures.
No problem....here you go:

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...=144850&page=2
Reply
Old Aug 19, 2007 | 04:12 PM
  #17  
wawy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 28
From: Western Canada
2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
"My C32 -- All the firepower of a King Tiger II and the maintenance to go along with it!"

LOL....so true!
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:05 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE