Hello,
91 E300 needs coolant. Can't find the owner's manual. Local Autozone and Pepboys both referred me to dealer, and advised bring extra limbs for payment. Don't have any "extra," i'm using them all.

Car gets driven a lot for work so this can't wait until next paycheck. Is tap water better than nothing for a week or so, or would that do more damage than it would prevent?

I've searched the forums and found older posts that advised using Zerex G05. I did find some Prestone that was advertised as being silicate and phosphate free, but it didn't indicate if it was HOAT or what.

Questions:
Will using just water be a problem?
Will using the Prestone mentioned above be an issue?
Anybody in San Diego know of a store that *currently*carries G05?

[edit] NAPA in El Cajon on Broadway has it for <$13.

 

coolant from the dealership isn't that expensive..

because my local mcparts stores dont want to stock zerex, i either have to order from grainger or go to my dealership

 

Zerex is the only MB-type approved Antifreeze/coolant....either use that or the OEM stuff from MB.

Use 'distilled water' to be safe...

Water only would just boil away after a while. I've heard of racers using water and 'Redline' Water wetter only but they don't say if they need a re-build after each race.

Using Prestone would be bad in the long run of any modern MB.

 

Zerex G-05® Antifreeze / Coolant

This identicle to MB oem antifreeze, and Allen is correct Granger is a fair priced sorce if you have one near by.