Coolant Colour
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 434
Likes: 16
From: Midlands, UK
CLK W209
Coolant Colour
Hi guys!
What is the colour of the correct coolant in our cars?
It's service time now, I'll do a change on the oil and atf, however at 140k miles, I'm approaching the 15yr/250000km on the coolant.
Car is a Dec2006, so the coolant has some of the 'years' left, but not on mileage.
I changed the thermostat on one of my CLKs, and can't check at the moment which one it was, my first CLK, or my current.
But in doing so, I believe I recall that the coolant was a pinky-straw colour.
However just checking my coolant now, (reason, below) I notice it is a blue-green colour.
So is that still the original fluid? Has it been replaced priorly by someone who hadn't needed to, is it the correct coolant? Reads fine on the hydrometer, but I'm aware that the corrosion inhibitors might not be right. If so, it obviously needs correcting.
So if someone could clarify what the colour of the MB or zerex G-05 fluid is, that'd be greatly appreciated.
On another note, the reason I checked the level, not just because my service is due, but I had the opportunity recently to drive 130-135 for a continuous 20miles. A mile or so later, I had a check coolant level message appear on the MFD. The engine temperature was no higher than normal on the gauge. When I stopped, lifted the bonnet for a minute or two with the engine running, then restarted the engine the message disappeared, and hasn't occurred again since... has anyone else experienced something similar?
Thanks,
Ben
What is the colour of the correct coolant in our cars?
It's service time now, I'll do a change on the oil and atf, however at 140k miles, I'm approaching the 15yr/250000km on the coolant.
Car is a Dec2006, so the coolant has some of the 'years' left, but not on mileage.
I changed the thermostat on one of my CLKs, and can't check at the moment which one it was, my first CLK, or my current.
But in doing so, I believe I recall that the coolant was a pinky-straw colour.
However just checking my coolant now, (reason, below) I notice it is a blue-green colour.
So is that still the original fluid? Has it been replaced priorly by someone who hadn't needed to, is it the correct coolant? Reads fine on the hydrometer, but I'm aware that the corrosion inhibitors might not be right. If so, it obviously needs correcting.
So if someone could clarify what the colour of the MB or zerex G-05 fluid is, that'd be greatly appreciated.
On another note, the reason I checked the level, not just because my service is due, but I had the opportunity recently to drive 130-135 for a continuous 20miles. A mile or so later, I had a check coolant level message appear on the MFD. The engine temperature was no higher than normal on the gauge. When I stopped, lifted the bonnet for a minute or two with the engine running, then restarted the engine the message disappeared, and hasn't occurred again since... has anyone else experienced something similar?
Thanks,
Ben
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Original fluid could be green, red (pinkish) or orange depending on what was used and when the car was built. Zerex is an orange color, and is compatible with any of the stuff MBZ used in your car.
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 13
From: SoCal
2004 ml500, 2007 clk550
i used zerex g05 also, as i think it was in my car from previous owner...
when i dropped the fluids, it looked clear, was scared there was only water?
but it just came out old looking and not crystal clear.
when i dropped the fluids, it looked clear, was scared there was only water?
but it just came out old looking and not crystal clear.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 434
Likes: 16
From: Midlands, UK
CLK W209
Okay, good to know it's a mixed bag, re. Colour. Now just to find some zerex in the U.K.
Do you know what spec the coolant is? I can't seem to find the spec in my workshop manual, nor handbook..?
Do you know what spec the coolant is? I can't seem to find the spec in my workshop manual, nor handbook..?
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 434
Likes: 16
From: Midlands, UK
CLK W209
On amazon UK there is only the one zerex g05 listing, at £78/$100 per gal/3.8L
Quite a bit more expensive! Cheaper to get MB fluid!
If anyone knows the spec # I may be able to search for other approved fluids...
Ben
Quite a bit more expensive! Cheaper to get MB fluid!
If anyone knows the spec # I may be able to search for other approved fluids...
Ben
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 434
Likes: 16
From: Midlands, UK
CLK W209
Or for $20 in delivery and import duties, I can get that listing shipped over... Madness!
50:50 isn't it? Our systems take 7.5L iirc. I've plenty of RODI water here to mix with. So I'm to believe one USgal should suffice..?
50:50 isn't it? Our systems take 7.5L iirc. I've plenty of RODI water here to mix with. So I'm to believe one USgal should suffice..?
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Yes, mix 50/50 with distilled water when using pure antifreeze (note that some come pre-mixed, ready to use). You can use any coolant listed on these spec sheets:
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/325.0_en.html
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/326.0_en.html
Note that Zerex G-05 is not listed, but it's just a more MBZ-specific formula of the G-48 that is on the list.
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/325.0_en.html
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/326.0_en.html
Note that Zerex G-05 is not listed, but it's just a more MBZ-specific formula of the G-48 that is on the list.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 434
Likes: 16
From: Midlands, UK
CLK W209
Perfect, thanks. The online retailer I buy all my fluids from has one of the listed 325s, Fuchs Fricofin. Engine, gearbox and soon coolant will all be Fuchs fluids, they're quite well priced for approved fluids, I just had the 10L engine oil, and 6L of ATF for £68.. $80ish
