GLK-Class (X204) Produced 2008-2014

Winter washer Fluid (OEM MB or aftermarket one?)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 10:24 PM
  #1  
Dreamka's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
GLK350-premium pks,Bi-zenons,NAVI,OEM Hitch, Stepboards etc..
Winter washer Fluid (OEM MB or aftermarket one?)

Winter is coming..
Acutally, I live in Canada ( one of the places with heavy snow and the lowest temp.)

So, I am thinking to buy washer fluid for windshield and headlight.
Please give me some tips

1. Do I just go to walmart and buy -40C aftermaket washer fluid or do I go to dealership and buy OEM MB washer fluid?

2. How much for OEM MB washer fluid?

3. Or is it free to top it up under 2year wear-tear warranty, if I go to dealership?

4. One of my friend said that Most benz cars should be used with OEM ones because of being frozen of headlight washer nozzle.
Is it true?

Thank you guys.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2009 | 11:03 PM
  #2  
mr.mbenz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 507
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, (BC) Best City on Planet Earth
GLK 350X :0
Post

Dreamka...good planning for winter.

1. I bought Wal-mart's purple jug that is specific for winter conditions. I am sure the Rain-X would be good as well. I am stocking this up for the Corolla, and when my GLK arrives in December, I am stocked for it as well. Not sure of the OEM stuff. Will need to ask the dealer to see if there is any 'real' difference. If you're buying premium at Wal-mart, it should be comparable?

2. Have you called your dealer?

3. Wear and Tear does not cover fluids. If it did, so would premium petrol, the Mobil 1 Synthetic oil....

4.If you have Bi-Xenon PKG, it already includes "high-pressure heated headlamp washers" So if my logic is right, the fluid does stay warm within the engine cabin therefore the fluid does not freeze. Also, the fluid you use is also the 'major' factor.

Reply
Old Nov 3, 2009 | 12:00 AM
  #3  
MBRedux's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 20
Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
The problem is not with the washer fluid but more with the *blue-dye* that dries and cakes up on washer nozzles over time. This stuff clogs up the works... buy OEM.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2009 | 12:10 AM
  #4  
mr.mbenz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 507
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, (BC) Best City on Planet Earth
GLK 350X :0
thanks MBRedux.

what color is the MB OEM stuff?
And does this come in concentrated formula?

Reply
Old Nov 3, 2009 | 08:17 AM
  #5  
tyglk350's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
2010 glk 350
Aren't the washer fluids heated anyway's? I thought I read that somewhere.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2009 | 09:55 AM
  #6  
Dreamka's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
GLK350-premium pks,Bi-zenons,NAVI,OEM Hitch, Stepboards etc..
Thank you guys...

I know that the washer nozzle will be heated while the engine is running..

But at night time, temp. may go down at least -30~-35c here then it could be frozen inside of nozzle.

My friend has 2005y S class and last year one of headlight washer nozzle was blown out in winter season.
So he paid over $500 + labour cost for replacment.

That's why I am worried little about it.

** Someone said that MB oem fluid has something concentrated in its one.
I don't know it is true or not.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2009 | 11:08 AM
  #7  
MegGLK350's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Elgin, OK.
BMW 135/ GLK 350 4Matic Sand Beige, Parktronic, Lighting Package, Heated Seats, Running Boards
Guys,

For the record I've never had a problem while using non EOM washer fluid. Also most of the fluid I've seen has had some type of coloring added to it. The nozzles are heated which will prevent freezing and clogging.



Reply
Old Nov 3, 2009 | 04:16 PM
  #8  
MBRedux's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 20
Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
Cheap formulations use cheaper dyes... (usually blue, green, etc.) while the more expensive formulations use a less concentrated pale purple. These dyes are in low concentration and will not "cake-up" when heated. One way to test this is to buy a windshield washing agent from where ever you wish, pour a few drops in a white cup and let it evaporate. If there is a lot of blue dye left on the bottom... try another, and another until you find one that leaves very little... if any. (These dyes were mandated many years ago so that kids won't drink them... this law should be revised since Gatorade has many of these same colors now!) Heating elements make these dyes cake-up sooner, not later.

The anti-freezing (alcohol) additive varies and their concentrations do as well, but they all work. However our GLK's are now painted with a new nanotechnology lacquer clear-coat that can be damaged by higher concentrations of Methanol in the formula.... so beware of higher concentration formulas, they’re NOT all mixed in the same proportion.

Last edited by MBRedux; Nov 3, 2009 at 04:19 PM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

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

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 7, 2009 | 04:12 PM
  #9  
pipicyx's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
glk
so which way to go? Always go back to the dealer for winshield fluids?
We do consume 2-4 times more here in Canada than you guys down in the warmer zone!
Plus, i'd believe even the dealer had more choices for GLK, some for winter, some for summer?
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2009 | 07:27 PM
  #10  
supercharged's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Mercedes Glk350
Originally Posted by pipicyx
so which way to go? Always go back to the dealer for winshield fluids?
We do consume 2-4 times more here in Canada than you guys down in the warmer zone!
Plus, i'd believe even the dealer had more choices for GLK, some for winter, some for summer?
In my opinion it's too much of a hassle to go to the dealer for something as minor as washer fluid. Just buy the most expensive non-oem brand (about $4) from your local store and don't worry. Also I will say, avoid rain-X brand since it tends to leave a residue film on the windshield.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2009 | 08:28 PM
  #11  
MBRedux's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 20
Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
Originally Posted by pipicyx
so which way to go? Always go back to the dealer for winshield fluids?
We do consume 2-4 times more here in Canada than you guys down in the warmer zone!
Plus, i'd believe even the dealer had more choices for GLK, some for winter, some for summer?

Well, just buy more when you're at the dealer and store it away until you need it. ... I buy 3-4 gal for the winter, and another two for the summer. I cut it with 50% water during the warmer months too.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2009 | 08:34 PM
  #12  
pipicyx's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
glk
Originally Posted by MBRedux
Well, just buy more when you're at the dealer and store it away until you need it. ... I buy 3-4 gal for the winter, and another two for the summer. I cut it with 50% water during the warmer months too.
ic ic...adding water is a good idea...thanks,

to be honest...i believe my dad just use low% soap water(detergent) for his smaller benz....few years now, hasn't got any complain...also, we kept a small spray bottle with soap water...when it comes the rain season, few spray on the side mirror is good enough for a day...
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2009 | 10:04 AM
  #13  
MB_Owner's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Germany
M-B GLE, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Boxster (spouse)
Hey MBRedux, since you're a proponent of OEM fluid, what's the answer in really cold weather? The fluid I got from the dealer is rated to -18°C when mixed at 1:1 concentration (1 liter fluid to 1 liter water) and the bottle doesn't list any lower temperature range. Is it OK to use at a higher concentration...i.e., will any paint or wiper assembly damage occur?

My washer froze up last weekend when parked overnight at our ski lodge...-25°C.

It thawed out after driving for 30 minutes or so (I guess the solution is heated when the engine is running) but I'd like to keep it from freezing at all.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2009 | 01:43 PM
  #14  
RedRover's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Ft Myers FL
2010 Barolo Red-Almond/Black GLK 350, 2008 Cadillac Gold Mist LUX III DTS
My relatives up north...Montana.....swear by Prestone De Icer fluid. It's yellow. Good to minus 34F.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2009 | 06:41 PM
  #15  
Sailorlite's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 178
Likes: 21
From: Orange County, CA
GLA250 4Matic, 911 Carrera S, R1250 GS Adv.
There's only one fluid reservoir, right? And it feeds all nozzles including the rear hatch washer, right? I'd hate to get the formula right but not get it in all the right places.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2009 | 12:23 AM
  #16  
MBRedux's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 20
Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
Originally Posted by Sailorlite
There's only one fluid reservoir, right? And it feeds all nozzles including the rear hatch washer, right? I'd hate to get the formula right but not get it in all the right places.

right..................
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2009 | 12:46 AM
  #17  
mr.mbenz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 507
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, (BC) Best City on Planet Earth
GLK 350X :0
am I missing something from the above point "right?"...

Reply
Old Dec 23, 2009 | 03:23 AM
  #18  
MB_Owner's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Germany
M-B GLE, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Boxster (spouse)
Thoughts anyone else to my M-B washer fluid question a few posts above. MBRedux is apparently still researching that one since he posted "right" to a different question further down in the thread.

Or has anyone else had theirs freeze up? Surely you folks up in Canada have had temps below -25° C.

Global warming? Nope, not here.





Reply
Old Dec 23, 2009 | 11:22 AM
  #19  
MBRedux's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 20
Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
Originally Posted by Sailorlite
There's only one fluid reservoir, right? (RIGHT!)And it feeds all nozzles including the rear hatch washer, right? (RIGHT!) I'd hate to get the formula right but not get it in all the right places.

"Right" is the correct answer to your questions... ... get it now? Ohhhhh rightttttttttt......
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 10:24 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


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