E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Windshield Wiper Fluid

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 9, 2007 | 11:50 PM
  #1  
mdreef's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 5
From: Houston
2020 E450 Coupe, 2022 Porsche Macan, 2001 Porsche 911
Windshield Wiper Fluid

Dear all,

The owner's manual on my '03 E320 states that I have to use a special MB windshield wiper fluid. Is this true?? What happens if I use the standard washer fluids available at auto parts stores?
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2007 | 10:02 AM
  #2  
starbrite's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
2004 E320
No, it's not true...standard fluid is just fine. It's like Mr.Coffee saying to use only their filters.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2007 | 12:53 PM
  #3  
pa28pilot's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 314
Likes: 10
From: In the shadow of D.C. (No.Va.)
'05 E320CDI, 1987 300E, Vanagon Syncro, Turbo Arrow III
Originally Posted by mdreef
Dear all,

The owner's manual on my '03 E320 states that I have to use a special MB windshield wiper fluid. Is this true?? What happens if I use the standard washer fluids available at auto parts stores?
I think you're fine, but my sales rep (who is normally refreshingly knowledgeable) did tell me a story about someone who used some aftermarket washer fluid that had waxes in it and eventually caused the washer heating system to melt. I would have discounted it out of hand if it hadn't been a first-hand report.

You may want to go to your dealer and buy the Summer additive, in any case. It really makes the fluid perform much better against heavy dirt and pollen, in my opinion.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2007 | 02:05 PM
  #4  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I buy mine from BJ's & Costco... by the case. Whoever has it in stock. Been doing it since 1982. Since late 2003 in an E. Perfect.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2007 | 11:51 PM
  #5  
mdreef's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 5
From: Houston
2020 E450 Coupe, 2022 Porsche Macan, 2001 Porsche 911
thanks for your help guys!
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2007 | 12:00 AM
  #6  
SL65AMG V12's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
Whilst we're on this topic - I recently filled up the windscreen washer fluid reservoir (using some reasonably quality stuff from a shop) but I the headlamp washers aren't spraying anything...yet. Is there a separate reservoir for the headlamp washers or is there some kind of problem with this car?
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2007 | 12:55 AM
  #7  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
If you don't use them often, the fluid in those long lines evaporates. You have to press & hold repeatedly to bring the fluid back up to the nozzles, since you cant "prime" the lines. (Same container supplies all the nozzles.)
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2007 | 01:15 AM
  #8  
SL65AMG V12's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
If you don't use them often, the fluid in those long lines evaporates. You have to press & hold repeatedly to bring the fluid back up to the nozzles, since you cant "prime" the lines. (Same container supplies all the nozzles.)
Ok, thanks for that
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 15, 2007 | 02:10 PM
  #9  
firefighter608's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: West Virginia, by way of NYC
2010 S550, '10 Road glide, '10 Sportster "48"
I filled mine up with the rain-X brand, I hope I didn't do anything too stupid.
Everything getting "brand" specific is starting to torque me off
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2007 | 06:47 PM
  #10  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Originally Posted by firefighter608
I filled mine up with the rain-X brand, I hope I didn't do anything too stupid.
Everything getting "brand" specific is starting to torque me off
If it was no good for cars, it would be gone. It isn't. Too much thinking about this small stuff.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2007 | 08:13 PM
  #11  
aceman's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 528
Likes: 5
E500 4matic, 2014 GL320, 2013 C300, 2015 Stingray
Fluid...

MBusa states that if you don't use their fluid, you void your warranty.

Aceman
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2007 | 08:52 PM
  #12  
starbrite's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
2004 E320
Originally Posted by aceman
MBusa states that if you don't use their fluid, you void your warranty.

Aceman
Again, see post #2.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2007 | 08:53 PM
  #13  
aceman's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 528
Likes: 5
E500 4matic, 2014 GL320, 2013 C300, 2015 Stingray
fluid...

I was kidding........
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2007 | 08:56 PM
  #14  
starbrite's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
2004 E320
....so was I !!
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:33 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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
story-9
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE