SL/R231: Normal Coolant Temp
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 12
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2017 SL450
Normal Coolant Temp
2017 SL450. For weeks the normal driving temp has been dead center between C and H. Now, even with cooler ambient temps, it runs at 1 notch higher. Should I be concerned? Radiator looks clear and reservoirs are normal.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Mine always is at that position once warned up. That's with all the Mercedes I own or have owned. So, if yours is normally at the 9 o'clock position, then maybe your thermostat started working correctly. Was your car always at 9 o'clock and how long have you had it? What's your mileage?
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Normal for MB. It’s mid-way between full scale readings.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 12
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2017 SL450
I've had the car for 4 weeks, has ~43k miles. All kinds of driving since then, but always at 9 o'clock when warmed up, until now. Only change was replacing the engine and cabin air filters. Both were pretty dirty.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,499
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
How good or complete are the maintenance records? Was the coolant ever changed out? (Not that it needs to be.) What color is the coolant?
I realize there is a change, but the gauge seems to be reporting normal temps. One more thing, as a new Mercedes owner, get yourself a Mercedes specific scanner--not some generic OBD reader. It will pay for itself almost immediately. You now own a sophisticated automobile and need to be prepared to spend money where needed (such as a good scanner).
Check Amazon for:
I realize there is a change, but the gauge seems to be reporting normal temps. One more thing, as a new Mercedes owner, get yourself a Mercedes specific scanner--not some generic OBD reader. It will pay for itself almost immediately. You now own a sophisticated automobile and need to be prepared to spend money where needed (such as a good scanner).
Check Amazon for:
- iCarsoft MB V3.0 (not MB II)
- Launch Creader Elite Benz
- Foxwell NT510 Elite
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R231 SL500
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,499
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Couple of things you can do.
- Make sure you have registered you car with www.mbusa.com (or wherever you are).
- Go online at www.mbusa.com and download a copy of the Operator's Manual for your car. (I've attached the 2015 manual.)
- Go to www.lastvin.com and enter your VIN. Print out a report of your car's configuration so you know what options you have.
- Go to your local dealer and ask if they can print out the service history of your car. Some dealers will and some won't.
- Move the driver's seat to the rear, grab a flashlight, and stick your head under the dash. The OBD port is on the left next to the hood release and is covered by a little flap that swings down. (Please tell me you know where the hood release is!)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 12
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2017 SL450
Found it! At idle at the 2nd notch past C it shows 129 degF, 3rd notch is 145, 4th (9 o'clock) is 162, 5th is 183. At 205 degF it's about the needle width over the 5th notch. So I'd say that's about right, with you guys pictures of about 95 degC.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,499
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I never figured out why mileage and speed are in MPH, yet coolant temp is in deg C! Multiplying C by 1.8 and adding 32 is just too darn hard. I mean, why not give us imperialists temperature in Fahrenheit? After all, Fahrenheit was born German. AND, my fuel gauge is in fractions versus decimals!
