I'm getting ready to change the coolant in the c230K due to a "low coolant level" warning. Upon checking the resevoir, the level is about a 1/4 inch low; which doesn't seem very low at all to me...but what do I know. I did top off with water and plan on changing the coolant soon.

BTW, the MB parts counter guy who sold me a gallon of orange coolant said that the coolant is green from the factory in germany and the orange stuff is the best available in N. America.

So, I have the proper coolant, and a picture of the radiator assembly. What I'd like to obtain is any DIY advice, the MB service literature group 20, and any recommendations/warnings/etc. i.e. how to best remove the plastic shroud that covers the bottom of the radiator underneath the car, etc.

Do I need to flush? Existing coolant is clean and minty looking. It's supposedely good for 100,000 miles, but other sources say to change every two years. If flushing is necessary, what do I use?

I also searched the forum but couldn't find exactly what I think I need. Another question I have is whether or not there is a coolant drain on the engine block, and if so do I need to find and drain from the block as well?

Thanks in advance. I've got lots of time thanks to the recent financial crisis (read: laid-off), but not much experience with DIY auto repairs.

- matt.

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)