Can you please tell me what to use in the coolant--distilled or tap water for a '98 E320?

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John B

Depending on the tap water you may be introducing potentially harmful minerals to the mix. Distilled water has essentially no minerals, so the only chemicals other than water in the system are the inhibitors in the antifreeze.

Most manufacturers recommend mixing antifreeze with "potable water", but that covers a wide range. A few say "distilled water", and you can't go wrong with it.

Bear in mind that the recommendation for distilled water is mixed in proper proportion with a proper antifreeze (MB brand or Zerex G-05 for Mercs.). Straight, 100 percent tap water or distilled water, without proper antifreeze in the proper proportion will cause rapid corrosion in the cooling system.

Duke

If you are going to to use any water at all then the choice is very easy...distilled water only.
Not tap water, not spring water. That's my opinion.
It's very cheap at Walmart. In Canada $2.97 for 4 liters.

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

Will also kill the water pump. Pump is lubricated primarily by coolant.

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1995 S600, 1 of 618 (sold)

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