GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

coolant for GL 320 CDI

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Nov 1, 2009 | 10:05 AM
  #1  
canvasback13's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore
'08 GL320 CDI, '10 Range Rover HSE
coolant for GL 320 CDI

I need to get some coolant for my GL and dealer is closed. The tank is pretty low. What non MB coolants have the right specs and will work properly in the engine.

The manual says:

'If the coolant level is low, water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze should be used to bring it up the proper level" MB 325.0."

It also says " To Provide important corrosion protection. the solution must equaul at least 50% anticorrosion/antifreeze to protect.

I am no longer under warrenty, i don't need to worry about voiding it.

What can i buy to top off tank, and do I then should it be mixed 50/50 with water?

Thanks,

Dave
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2009 | 01:39 PM
  #2  
lkchris's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
It's more than "voiding warranty" and you need to be really careful.

The only non-MB coolant you should use is Zerex G05
http://www.valvoline.com/products/br.../antifreeze/42

The original coolant in these cars is specified good for 15 years.

It is NOT normal that you need to add some and it would be good to treat the disease and not just the symptom.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2009 | 08:26 PM
  #3  
canvasback13's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore
'08 GL320 CDI, '10 Range Rover HSE
I saw that the zerex g05 is reccommended, but couldn't find it at local auto stores. I will just get it tomorrow at the dealer.

I don't think I have a leak. my indicator did came on, and i checked and saw i am an inch or 2 low in the overflow tank. my 08 gl has 60,000 miles on it. I see no evidence that the car is laking any fluids.

do you really think this is symtom of a serious issue?

I seriously hope not. i am towing a boat to canada with the car later this week!
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 08:23 AM
  #4  
Mike472's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island, New York
2010 GL350 Steel Gray
There is the possibility of a leak somewhere, in which case you should monitor the level in the overflow tank carefully for a while to see that there is drop in the level of coolant. Its hard to see all the places where coolant could be leaking from unless you can get the car up on a lift to get a good look. Check your oil to make sure it is the proper amber color, not looking like mayonaise which would mean a blown head gasket. It could be something as simple as a bad radiator cap that is not holding pressure and bubbling up into the overflow tank and blowing off some coolant. If you do find coolant disappearing again I would take it to a qualified mechanic, preferably an MB dealer who is probably the best bet. Your vehicle is worth quite a bit. No sense taking chances on having expensive damage occur to your engine.
Follow the recommendations for coolant that MB gives. A lot of antifreeze isnt compatible with the aluminum which is used in these engines and causes corrosion.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 12:00 PM
  #5  
lkchris's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
A pressure test is the method to determine whether there is a leak.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 03:54 PM
  #6  
canvasback13's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore
'08 GL320 CDI, '10 Range Rover HSE
I picked up some coolant at the dealer today. They indicated it isn't unusual to have a small drop in coolant level after 60k miles. I was surprised that he said is more common in diesels because they run hotter?(i didn't know this) They said it should have been checked and topped out ot the schedualed services. They way he said it, he was clearly idicating that it isn't always done, with out actually saying it on the record.

My cars runs great and smoth after 60k miles. This is my first MB after 5 straight BMW 5 series. I am very impressed with this car and it spends less time in the shop than my BMWs did. I parked my Black GL next to black GL350 Bluetech today. I had a good chance to compare. The slight changes to the front look very nice.

I am certainly going to keep an eye on the coolant level. I am not the type to damamge a car because of neglect.

Thanks for the comments
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 08:17 PM
  #7  
Fourdiesel's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
Likes: 11
From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
The same thing happened to mine at about 25k mi - slight drop in coolant level, enough to get an indicator light. I found a place in the manual where it said it was OK to put plain water in (no other chemicals) in 'small' amounts. I used deionized water (available in Safeway). Dealer checked for leaks under warranty. No leaks were found and the coolant level has stayed the same since.
My theory is that some of the diesels may trap a small bubble of air somewhere in the system, sometimes, when first filled with coolant. Over time this air is absorbed in the coolant and the level drops.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2009 | 12:09 PM
  #8  
alx's Avatar
alx
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
the diesel gls are known to ask once for coolant earlier in their lives.

some came filled to the minimum from the factory and might ask for coolant as time passes.

once topped off they should not ask for coolant under normal conditions.

alex
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo

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 06:24 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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