On the 1988 300SL (R107, M103) the low coolant idiot light has come on twice in the last week. Both times it's been while going around a long, sweeping turns with high lateral forces. Both times, as soon as I exited the turn, the idiot light went out. The only symptom is the idiot light coming on twice, both times briefly (only while in the high load, extended turn). Is it time for a new water pump or is it something simpler like the system not holding enough pressure (like from a worn out expansion take filler cap)? No other symptoms other than the brief idiot light.

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

The simplest explanation is generally the correct one.

Your coolant level is just at the level where the level sensor reads that there is enough coolant in the system. When you make those long lateral force turns the coolant banks to the side lowering the level at the coolant level sensor, and the sensor reads low coolant.

Add coolant to bring it up to level and you should be ok.

John