"Check Coolant Level" - Take to dealer or DIY?
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 33
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From: Bay Area, CA
2010 C63 w/ P30
"Check Coolant Level" - Take to dealer or DIY?
Got the dreaded "Check Coolant Level" message this morning. I'm asking your advice as to whether I should take it to the dealer and have them check and/or fill it, or just pick up the coolant and do it myself. I know this message is usually the first sign of the headbolt issue, and my engine is in the affected group.
While I think it's silly to have to schedule an appointment and be without my car for the better part of a day for something that is going to take them only a few minutes to find & fill, I also know that documentation is crucial if I end up further down this path and need to make a warranty claim related to the head bolts.
My plan right now would be to buy coolant from my dealer, keep the receipt, monitor what the loss rate is, and actually drop it off if the message comes back up.
Thoughts?
While I think it's silly to have to schedule an appointment and be without my car for the better part of a day for something that is going to take them only a few minutes to find & fill, I also know that documentation is crucial if I end up further down this path and need to make a warranty claim related to the head bolts.
My plan right now would be to buy coolant from my dealer, keep the receipt, monitor what the loss rate is, and actually drop it off if the message comes back up.
Thoughts?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 381
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From: Toronto
09 C63, 11 Cayenne S
Have them do it my friend...they can always say you didn't do it properly, therefore denying any claim. believe a day without your cra is nothing...I had the coolest issue done on my car and cane to find out it was the head bolt issue. all the repairs were picked up by MB Canada, and was without my car for a month in the summer time in Toronto....that hurt
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 620
Likes: 7
From: Sacramento, CA
'09 C63
Take it in. I'm at my dealership right now for the same problem. They just told me it was the coolant cap that wasn't holding pressure. They simply replaced it. They checked for the headbolt as well and that wasn't the issue.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13
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From: Naperville, Illinois
C63 AMG Edition-507, C32 AMG (Sold), E55 AMG (Sold)
Have it checked out by the dealership
If your car is still under warranty, have it checked by the dealership. That is what the warranty is for. Having to be without your C63 AMG temporarily is a much better option than further damaging the car and any subsequent denials by the manufacturer for any repair claim due to "negligence."
If your car however is out of warranty, I suggest you still bring it to the dealership for assessment and get a second opinion on a reputable German Car Repair shop. This way you know for sure if their assessment are aligned that, that is really the problem (head bolt issue). Hopefully it is just a seal or a lose radiator cap gap. Good luck!
If your car however is out of warranty, I suggest you still bring it to the dealership for assessment and get a second opinion on a reputable German Car Repair shop. This way you know for sure if their assessment are aligned that, that is really the problem (head bolt issue). Hopefully it is just a seal or a lose radiator cap gap. Good luck!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4
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From: NH
‘15 E63S Wagon, '09 C63, '86 911, ‘10 RR Sport SC, '07 S4 Avant
C'mon guys. Seriously?
The OP simply needs a little coolant. It happens.
Put some in (himself, not the dealer) and forget it.
If he has the headbolt issue (extremely unlikely), he'll know soon enough.
Right now all he needs is some coolant. That's it.
What's next? Tire pressure down a few pounds means a cracked wheel?
A little common sense please everyone.
The OP simply needs a little coolant. It happens.
Put some in (himself, not the dealer) and forget it.
If he has the headbolt issue (extremely unlikely), he'll know soon enough.
Right now all he needs is some coolant. That's it.
What's next? Tire pressure down a few pounds means a cracked wheel?
A little common sense please everyone.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: NYC/NJ
2022 E53 SG
It's normal for coolant levels to dip a little when it's very cold out. It happened every winter with my GL450. I also had to top off my coolant for my C63 last winter when it was 5 degrees outside. Haven't had any issues since. But I just realized you were in Cali. I'd get it checked.
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Super Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 580
Likes: 31
2010 C63
My engine is in the affected group as well and I got that warning about two months ago. I followed the Owner's Manual for adding coolant - and haven't seen the light since. My thoughts . . . do it myself first, then if issue persists take it to the dealer.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 620
Likes: 7
From: Sacramento, CA
'09 C63
C'mon guys. Seriously?
The OP simply needs a little coolant. It happens.
Put some in (himself, not the dealer) and forget it.
If he has the headbolt issue (extremely unlikely), he'll know soon enough.
Right now all he needs is some coolant. That's it.
What's next? Tire pressure down a few pounds means a cracked wheel?
A little common sense please everyone.
The OP simply needs a little coolant. It happens.
Put some in (himself, not the dealer) and forget it.
If he has the headbolt issue (extremely unlikely), he'll know soon enough.
Right now all he needs is some coolant. That's it.
What's next? Tire pressure down a few pounds means a cracked wheel?
A little common sense please everyone.
2. Low levels of coolant has been correlated to the headbolts going bad. Would you rather him chance it and have a headbolt snap while he's driving?
3. He's still under warranty; why the hell wouldn't you get it checked out?
4. Low tire pressure can mean there's a slow leak in the tire. What are you going to do? Fill it up with more air and hope it goes away?
To the OP, I would rather have it taken in and have peace of mind rather than always wondering if there is a problem.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,556
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From: Canada
07 E63 + 07 CLK63CAB
Take it in, peace of mind at the very least, also will show a record if needed to prove previous issue with coolant. I call it insurance for the future. Go test drive cars while yours is in 
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 56
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From: Toronto
SpeedRiven SL V12TT, ML320CDI
1. The coolant is a closed system, meaning if the levels are low the coolant must be going somewhere. Adding coolant just masks the problem.
2. Low levels of coolant has been correlated to the headbolts going bad. Would you rather him chance it and have a headbolt snap while he's driving?
3. He's still under warranty; why the hell wouldn't you get it checked out?
4. Low tire pressure can mean there's a slow leak in the tire. What are you going to do? Fill it up with more air and hope it goes away?
To the OP, I would rather have it taken in and have peace of mind rather than always wondering if there is a problem.
2. Low levels of coolant has been correlated to the headbolts going bad. Would you rather him chance it and have a headbolt snap while he's driving?
3. He's still under warranty; why the hell wouldn't you get it checked out?
4. Low tire pressure can mean there's a slow leak in the tire. What are you going to do? Fill it up with more air and hope it goes away?
To the OP, I would rather have it taken in and have peace of mind rather than always wondering if there is a problem.
Just add the coolant and move on. Being doing this for all my MBs every year for the last 10+ years...
2. - If you are constantly loosing coolant, that is a different story and does indicate a problem.
3. - Because you will be billed for any non-warranty related diagnostics/service.
4.- Get the gage and check the tire pressure. Compare to what is specified and if it is the same, might indicate issue with tire pressure sensor so take it in. If you are just loosing air, this will be a non-warranty issue so get an empty spray bottle, put a little dishwashing soap and top-up with water, inflate the tire to around 60 psi. Spray all around the tire - bubbles will indicate where the air leak is...
Igor.
Last edited by igor; Nov 5, 2013 at 05:29 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 42
C63 AMG
Are you sure there is a venting hose on the expansion tank? Isnt that the purpose of the tank?
I remember taking the cap off the tank whike it was warm and it was under pressure... not sure how it would pressurize with a vent tube attached?
I remember taking the cap off the tank whike it was warm and it was under pressure... not sure how it would pressurize with a vent tube attached?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 56
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From: Toronto
SpeedRiven SL V12TT, ML320CDI
I am sure. There is actually a valve on the venting hose and this is why you saw the pressure. Remember that there are no radiator cups on many vehicles so valve is on the hose. It is a bit more complicated than that, but there is a venting hose 100%.
Last edited by igor; Nov 5, 2013 at 05:44 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Toronto
SpeedRiven SL V12TT, ML320CDI
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Texas
10 C six trizzle
most would assume nothing... however there is a loop in it that runs coolant through the washer tank to warm it up. ive seen a car leak coolant and cause the washer tank to over flow. not that this has anything to do with what we are talking about. Yes it is a sealed system however it will evaporate on its own some how, just like power steering fluid. If your topping it off more than once every service there is probably some sort of issue. Yes lots of techs are lazy and dont do it, but you never know.
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 80
Likes: 6
From: Perth Australia
2013 ML 350 Bluetec
C'mon guys. Seriously?
The OP simply needs a little coolant. It happens.
Put some in (himself, not the dealer) and forget it.
If he has the headbolt issue (extremely unlikely), he'll know soon enough.
Right now all he needs is some coolant. That's it.
What's next? Tire pressure down a few pounds means a cracked wheel?
A little common sense please everyone.
The OP simply needs a little coolant. It happens.
Put some in (himself, not the dealer) and forget it.
If he has the headbolt issue (extremely unlikely), he'll know soon enough.
Right now all he needs is some coolant. That's it.
What's next? Tire pressure down a few pounds means a cracked wheel?
A little common sense please everyone.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
SpeedRiven SL V12TT, ML320CDI
most would assume nothing... however there is a loop in it that runs coolant through the washer tank to warm it up. ive seen a car leak coolant and cause the washer tank to over flow. not that this has anything to do with what we are talking about. Yes it is a sealed system however it will evaporate on its own some how, just like power steering fluid. If your topping it off more than once every service there is probably some sort of issue. Yes lots of techs are lazy and dont do it, but you never know.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 56
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From: Toronto
SpeedRiven SL V12TT, ML320CDI
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: NY
E63S | X5
Check out the FAQ sticky, spend some time reading the headbolt threads, but you may want to brace yourself for a long road ahead.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2016
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Mercedes Benz C63 AMG
Thats the worst reply I was looking forward to reading lol. Is there any recalls on this head bolt issue?
