Got message to top up coolant, I don't know which antifreeze to get. I've never done this before.
Please post your advise,
Thank you very much

 

I had the same message - just stopped by dealer and picked up a gallon of concentrated MB spec fluid.

 

It's Sunday all closed.
Any type I can get at autopart?

 

MB uses a special OEM non-corossive coolant that's good for 150K miles without a change. I wouldn't add non-OEM coolant and, you shouldn't have to add coolant so early in the life of your 2011 ML550. Have your cooling system checked.

 

http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/325.0_en.html
Go by this link, we can use Vavoline Zerex G-05.
Reason i look for alternate brand 'cause I don't have time and live one hr away from dealer, my ml only 14 mths old.

 

Thanks, that's good info.

 

Several manufacturers make antifreeze that is compatible with all systems. Some is premixed 50:50 with water, others are pure antifreeze. Any auto store carries at least two or three of these. Despite the silly claims by high-end auto makers that you must use their specially formulated non-corrosive pump-lubricating easyflow freeze-proof supercooling high-protective Max-O-Magic formula, I have never had even a hint of a problem after using several of these universally compatible aftermarket products in a string of BMWs and Mercedes.

 

I just talked with Valvoline products tech support about Zerex G 05, he said Mercedes, BMW dealers using this antifreeze. We can get at autoparts napa, car quest, o'riley, autozone, if they don't have you can ask them to order for you. A napa autoparts close to my house have it, will get one later.

 

Getting back to the original question...
The warning is from a very sensitive sensor, so it probably comes up when you need less than a pint of fluid.
To mix such a small amount of pure water will barely affect the performance of the coolant.

If however, much more is required, then you have a serious problem that the dealer must fix. Why waste money on the coolant when the dealer will replace it under warranty.

Ian

 

Ours show the same add coolant on the first morning that the temp had dropped below 20C. Went away when the ML warmed up. and a visual check show that the coolant level was with-in it's normal level.

Adding a little water or other coolant will not hurt anything.

Mark

 

Topping up coolant is a free warranty fix while under warranty.

And, yes, you'll get this message in extreme cold and it's more than likely nothing as noted.

 

You should be okay just topping off with water.

 

*distilled water

 

GREAT INFO HERE....APPROVAL IT