Do I need to replace my coolant or can it be topped up?

In early 2023 a coolant hose split and had to be replaced and at the same time the coolant system was filled up (obviously). I've just contacted the local garage that did that work and have been informed they would have used MB 325.6 for my car, which is pink/red. So, from Googling, I see this is the recommended coolant for newer engines and therefore all is good! Or is it?
My dilemma is that last year I noticed the engine was running hot and the fans stayed on after turning off the engine, sometimes for upto 20 mins. I could see the coolant level was down slightly, as was the oil level, so I topped both up and since then I haven't noticed any issues with the fans running after the car has been used and the engine stopped.
I'm now looking to purchase some more coolant, for use in emergencies i.e. topping up, as I always like to keep a litre in the garage. I've now realised that the coolant I used was MB 325.3 (a cheap UK brand called Bluecol). I have no idea why I would have purchased that, unless directed by a Merc dealers when I originally purchased the car!
I believe I have probably used 0.25 to 0.5 litres of this 325.3 coolant when topping up (mixed with a similar volume of distilled water i.e. 50/50) since my coolant system was refilled in 2023. I'm now reading that it's not a good idea to mix 325.3 and 325.6.
So, a couple of questions:
1. Is the top up using 325.3 likely to cause any issues? I suspect not as it was a small amount and the car has been driving okay, with no obvious heating issues.
2. Is 325.6 definitely the correct coolant to use on this model and age car? I would hope so, since this is what I was told by the mechanic, although it was 2.5 years ago when he did the work and re-filled the coolant system.
I would appreciate your feedback.
Last edited by milleniumaire; Jul 10, 2025 at 11:40 AM.
In early 2023 a coolant hose split and had to be replaced and at the same time the coolant system was filled up (obviously). I've just contacted the local garage that did that work and have been informed they would have used MB 325.6 for my car, which is pink/red. So, from Googling, I see this is the recommended coolant for newer engines and therefore all is good! Or is it?
My dilemma is that last year I noticed the engine was running hot and the fans stayed on after turning off the engine, sometimes for upto 20 mins. I could see the coolant level was down slightly, as was the oil level, so I topped both up and since then I haven't noticed any issues with the fans running after the car has been used and the engine stopped.
I'm now looking to purchase some more coolant, for use in emergencies i.e. topping up, as I always like to keep a litre in the garage. I've now realised that the coolant I used was MB 325.3 (a cheap UK brand called Bluecol). I have no idea why I would have purchased that, unless directed by a Merc dealers when I originally purchased the car!
I believe I have probably used 0.25 to 0.5 litres of this 325.3 coolant when topping up (mixed with a similar volume of distilled water i.e. 50/50) since my coolant system was refilled in 2023. I'm now reading that it's not a good idea to mix 325.3 and 325.6.
So, a couple of questions:
1. Is the top up using 325.3 likely to cause any issues? I suspect not as it was a small amount and the car has been driving okay, with no obvious heating issues.
2. Is 325.6 definitely the correct coolant to use on this model and age car? I would hope so, since this is what I was told by the mechanic, although it was 2.5 years ago when he did the work and re-filled the coolant system.
I would appreciate your feedback.
. The Dealership made the repairs as noted below.
As noted on the Invoice the Anti-Freeze used was MB 325.6.
.




Nothing to do with mileage but more about time as chemicals break down over time not distance traveled thru passageways inside coolant system.



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. Photo above list the MB required Service schedule. As noted: 1. Replace main circuit coolant and 2. Replace low-temperature circuit coolant every 12 years/120,000 miles.
Last edited by jj18; Jul 11, 2025 at 03:56 PM.








