Car running very hot! -Possibly due to low coolant?

Subscribe
Oct 19, 2012 | 11:16 AM
  #1  
Hi guys so last week I got a "Check coolant level" warning as shown in the picture below. My C63 is a 2012 sedan with just over 30000kms. The warning comes on usually when I start the car when its completely cold... so really only in the mornings, but not every morning. Last night I was driving and noticed my temperatures which are usually somewhere at 92/92 C was reading 110/92C and I wasnt driving very hard! I started to drive in C mode and be easy on accelerating and it came down to 103/92C. I have an appointment with the dealer next week Friday. Should I add coolant myself? is it difficult? What could be causing these issues? Any advice would be great! Thanks!

Car running very hot! -Possibly due to low coolant?-lbsz3l.jpg


Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 11:23 AM
  #2  
Yeah it's because of the coolant. My temp got a little high when my coolant level dropped. Just walk-in at the dealer and they'll add coolant in the drive-thru... You don't need it an appointment for that
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 11:40 AM
  #3  
If you're comfortable with the levels, you can do it yourself. Otherwise any dealership should do it without much hassle. While you're there, you. Can ask if your engine number is on the head bolt list. That way you know if you should be keeping an eye on the coolant level.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 11:54 AM
  #4  
I get the same message once in a while.
Cold morning, starting engine and "check coolant level" pops up.
I haven't noticed a higher engine temp though.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 12:32 PM
  #5  
Quote: Should I add coolant myself? is it difficult?
Open hood. Open coolant reservoir. With cold engine, fill coolant up to the mark on the tank. Button it up. Done.

Or, like Guilty said, hit the drive-thru at your dealership.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 12:38 PM
  #6  
Where do I purchase the coolant? What coolant is needed?
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 12:42 PM
  #7  
Quote: Where do I purchase the coolant? What coolant is needed?
Some guys would just pee in it to fill it up... I've seen it done.

I would go to the dealer and buy some... or a local auto store.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 12:47 PM
  #8  
Quote: Some guys would just pee in it to fill it up... I've seen it done.

I would go to the dealer and buy some... or a local auto store.
+1. Follow the mixing instructions on the bottle, keeping in mind that a higher concentration of coolant-to-water will make your engine run hotter.
Reply 0

MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

Explore
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
Oct 19, 2012 | 12:51 PM
  #9  
Is there a particular brand?
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 01:28 PM
  #10  
OEM. Don't mess around.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 01:33 PM
  #11  
Quote: OEM. Don't mess around.
what is the OEM brand?
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 01:34 PM
  #12  
Mine runs at 105 and 92

Use MB approved or MB coolant.

Purchase at dealer.

Or top up with distilled water... As long as the level is not too low.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 01:37 PM
  #13  
Can't you just top up with some distilled water if its not to low?
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 02:07 PM
  #14  
Quote: Can't you just top up with some distilled water if its not to low?
yes. but like you said, as long as it's not too low, otherwise it'll affect the concentration. it would have to be pretty low for that to happen, though.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 02:19 PM
  #15  
50/50 is cheap. Just use that instead.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 03:55 PM
  #16  
Quote: 50/50 is cheap. Just use that instead.
Probably best to use the OEM coolant from the dealer. You know how hot our engines run. Use the best.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 03:58 PM
  #17  
Fair enough. My point is go ahead with proper coolant and not just water, if you're going through the trouble anyway.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 04:57 PM
  #18  
Quote: I get the same message once in a while.
Cold morning, starting engine and "check coolant level" pops up.
I haven't noticed a higher engine temp though.
your wagon is super sexy...nice car!
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 05:46 PM
  #19  
Quote: I get the same message once in a while.
Cold morning, starting engine and "check coolant level" pops up.
I haven't noticed a higher engine temp though.
Looks to me that it is VaclavSV's oil temp that is going up and not his coolant temp. It seems pretty normal for the oil temp to go up if the car is pushed a bit. My normal driving around temps are 101*C(oil)/91*C(coolant). Doesn't look like the engine is running hot to me. Just get the dealer to top up your coolant reservoir and check your oil level and you should be good to go. It is easy to fill the coolant reservoir yourself but why do it when the dealer should do it for free and you will not have to buy a $45 (last I paid from memory) jug of coolant.
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 09:48 PM
  #20  
Thanks guys. I got the coolant topped up at the dealer. Everything seems normal.

P.S. Looking forward to the meet tomorrow afternoon!
Reply 0
Oct 19, 2012 | 11:44 PM
  #21  
Quote: Some guys would just pee in it to fill it up... I've seen it done.

I would go to the dealer and buy some... or a local auto store.

You watched another dude **** into his coolant over flow?!


What else did u two do after? LOL
Reply 0
Oct 20, 2012 | 03:09 AM
  #22  
Does coolant level dropping = head bolt issue?
Reply 0
Oct 20, 2012 | 03:52 AM
  #23  
Not necessarily.
Reply 0
Oct 20, 2012 | 10:00 AM
  #24  
I dont know. My car is running strong right now.
Reply 0
Oct 20, 2012 | 11:14 AM
  #25  
Quote: Does coolant level dropping = head bolt issue?
VaclavSV car is a 2012 and should not have the head bolt issue as it should have the updated head bolts from the factory. Our '08 R-Class 320 CDI used a little coolant with no obvious coolant loss. In three years I had to top it up 3 or 4 times with a cup or two of 50/50 mixed MB Coolant. It was a lease so at lease end I just turned it in.
Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
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