Jun 15, 2015, 07:28 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Cooling System Guides
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class: How to Flush Your Radiator
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
Browse all: Cooling System Guides
Coolant\Antifreeze Question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, AL
2006 E350
Coolant\Antifreeze Question
Sorry for the lengthy post, but:
I'm finding a lot of different answers to a question of "What coolant should I put in my 2006 E350 (42k miles)".
In short, I've been getting the "Coolant/Check Level" light for about week now. The car is not overheating, but I obviously need to top it off. But with what?!
Some message boards/sites say to just use Prestone from Wal-Mart.
Some say "Oh noooooessss. Don't do that, it'll mix with the MB OEM, and gel, and it won't play well with the magic silica packet that's in the cooling system".
Some say "MB fluid should be good to 140k miles. Just add some water to top it off" (great, but what if I keep "topping it off" to the point where there's too much water?). Then there's the whole tap/distilled water discussion.
Bottom line: My Owner's manual says that the coolant life of 150 gazillion miles is only applicable if I continue to use the MB325.0 spec coolant. It doesn't say "Don't use general store-bought anti-freeze". In the technical data section of the manual, it simply says to get protection between 45% Anti-corrosion (-22F) and 55% Anit-corrosion (-49F).
So, what say you, MBWorld gurus? What have you guys done? Anyone putting $8 "Peak" in their $50,000 Benz?
-Nate
I'm finding a lot of different answers to a question of "What coolant should I put in my 2006 E350 (42k miles)".
In short, I've been getting the "Coolant/Check Level" light for about week now. The car is not overheating, but I obviously need to top it off. But with what?!
Some message boards/sites say to just use Prestone from Wal-Mart.
Some say "Oh noooooessss. Don't do that, it'll mix with the MB OEM, and gel, and it won't play well with the magic silica packet that's in the cooling system".
Some say "MB fluid should be good to 140k miles. Just add some water to top it off" (great, but what if I keep "topping it off" to the point where there's too much water?). Then there's the whole tap/distilled water discussion.
Bottom line: My Owner's manual says that the coolant life of 150 gazillion miles is only applicable if I continue to use the MB325.0 spec coolant. It doesn't say "Don't use general store-bought anti-freeze". In the technical data section of the manual, it simply says to get protection between 45% Anti-corrosion (-22F) and 55% Anit-corrosion (-49F).
So, what say you, MBWorld gurus? What have you guys done? Anyone putting $8 "Peak" in their $50,000 Benz?
-Nate
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
YOU DON'T HAVE A RADIATOR CAP
It goes into the coolant reservoir.
Get a gallon at the dealer it is pre mixed 50/50 and top it off to the fill line cold.
You are correct about adding just water every time you do you would lower your protection.
Lastly find out why you are low.It is going someplace.If the warning is coming on you are low for a reason.
Get a gallon at the dealer it is pre mixed 50/50 and top it off to the fill line cold.
You are correct about adding just water every time you do you would lower your protection.
Lastly find out why you are low.It is going someplace.If the warning is coming on you are low for a reason.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Florida
2006 e350
It goes into the coolant reservoir.
Get a gallon at the dealer it is pre mixed 50/50 and top it off to the fill line cold.
You are correct about adding just water every time you do you would lower your protection.
Lastly find out why you are low.It is going someplace.If the warning is coming on you are low for a reason.
Get a gallon at the dealer it is pre mixed 50/50 and top it off to the fill line cold.
You are correct about adding just water every time you do you would lower your protection.
Lastly find out why you are low.It is going someplace.If the warning is coming on you are low for a reason.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
I read someplace only to use the MB coolant because other coolants might harm the specific metals used in the MB cooling system........sorry I can't quote the source. But why take the chance with such a complex and expensive machine just to save a few dollars using a brand "x" product. I also agree with the other post about checking why your coolant is low..........it means you are leaking someplace and you should get the system pressure tested by your service shop. My Volvo 70 needed coolant recently (check coolant light) and the pressure test revealed the radiator was leaking and needed replacement.........I thought it might just be a hose clamp. Good luck.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
2006 E320CDI
If I were you I would first be investigating why I needed to add coolant in the first place. In all the MB I have owned having to add coolant was related to a mechanical problem. You need to check that aspect first then worry about the fluid which should be MB Sheet 325.0 approved. Zerex G 05 or MB brand fluid both meet the specification. Check this link for approved fluids
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevoli...nt_action=show
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevoli...nt_action=show
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 978
Likes: 3
From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
I'd stick with the MB coolant. Just go to your dealership and they will top it off for you.
