To the gentleman who claimed he didn't need to use MB coolant because many of the MB mechanix he knows don't say you have to use it, I give this tale of caution. A couple of years ago, a certain DC area new MB dealer (rhymes with ASC), was found to be adding Slick 50 to EVERY car that received an oil change in their service department. This was discovered by one of us AR types poking around at a DIY Tech Session. Not to dwell on the issue, point blame, or make any un-necessary conclusions, but very soon after, they were recomended (by MBUSA,I believe)to stop adding any non-approved additives to any of their in-warranty cars.

I'm not going to even begin a debate on the merits or sins of Slick 50, but my point is that even "factory" techs err and make unauthorized recommendations. I prefer to follow the official authorized lists from MBUSA and decide for myself what I can and can't substitute. For example, there isn't much difference anyone can tell you between MB Brake fluid and Castrol LMA, but one is $13/liter and the other is $2.59 a pint on your local parts store shelf.

You can decide for yourself, just be aware that MB Techs have their spread on the curve, just like everything else.