MB requires a certain type so as to not lead to failures in the metal of the head and water pump
It had to do with the Ph and the silica content.

The MBCA magazint "The Star" has an article on this.
I think it is from Oct 2007

G-05 is the generic equivalent to MB factory coolant

I would only use real MB coolant or G-05 especially if your car has an aluminum cylinder head

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mi benz is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 10
Quote:
could you elaborate on how the antifreeze would lead to head gasket failure (i mean by any other reason than the lack of antifreeze )
thanks

As antifreeze is also a corrosion inhibitor.
It is designed to prevent electrolysis between different metals in the motor.
Around the head gasket you have 2 different metals, cast iron block & alloy head.
If you dont use a corrosion inhibitor (antifreeze) you will soon have a problem with a failure.
If this was not the case, we would all be using industrial ethylene glycol instead of antifreeze, at a fraction of the price.
In warm climates where antifreeze is not required, it is still necessary to use a good corrosion inhibitor with distilled water in your cooling system.

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Perhaps by "seal" I should clarify that I meant more the lack of leaks...as other posts have mentioned that antifreeze can eat away at certain metals--although the water pump and thermostat seals come to mind, I apologize for being vague.

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