Common knowledge on this forum is to NOT use any old off the shelf coolant. You must use MB or Zerex G05 or the aluminum coolant parts and passageways will become pitted and corroded. These cars are special thusly they require special precautions. Adhering to these special requirements is the reason why some MBs last for 500k and others are junked at 150.

Not to bad here
 

The local Indy (that's Indianapolis) stealer is selling it for $15.00 dollars a bottle. Don't add tap water, get a gallon of distilled water at the Grocery for about $1.35.

What colour should the Mercedes coolant be?

I am curious, what is so different about the cast iron, aluminum and plastic used in a M/B compared to any other vehicle. Why do M/B vehicles require special coolant? Could it be the the corrosion that a previous poster mentioned be caused by the use of cooling system flush chemicals or improper coolant/water ratios? or differed cooling system maintenance or some sort of improper electrical charge in the cooling system due to a bad ground?

Really, I would like some real answers or links to real answers other than a pat "you can only use M/B coolant or XYZ coolant in a M/B".

Just curious........

MB coolant is a sort of clear/golden color. It protects all aluminum parts from wear, especially critical on the engine with aluminum heads! :eek:

How much aluminum is there in your cast iron veteran?

Um, the engine in your car is totally different compared to more modern ones. The newer ones use far more aluminum.

Also, there will always be someone who does fine without following the manufacturer's requirements. That doesn't necessarily mean those requirements are trivial.

I found mine at NAPA for $10.

I think I got mine at Pep Boys for about $11 or so; it was a couple years ago so I'm not positive. With that said, I'm about due and will be flushing the E320 again soon.

2 gals of Zerex might cost $25, and 2 gals of generic green coolant might cost $8. You're already saving on the labor by doing it yourself; is it really worth saving another $17 by using the "wrong" stuff?

It is often described as "straw" colored.

I just re-read this. I might be out of my element here, having never owned a vintage SL. It could be that your heads are indeed aluminum; I really don't know...

First time I've heard it called that. :D :D

This is the philosophy I use to justify buying all the tools I have. :)

Just a few examples:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/236033-w203-c-230-k-coolant-replacement.html?highlight=straw+coolant

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/194280-thermostat-coolant-question.html?highlight=straw+coolant

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/188511-need-confirmation-m104-headgasket-issue.html?highlight=straw+coolant

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/134036-mysterious-disappearing-oil.html?highlight=straw+coolant

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/133451-shop-put-green-coolant-when-i-had-m-b-orange.html?highlight=straw+coolant

Mercedes Coolant
 

A valid question / request.

The first link is to a STAR article in PDF, a good read.

https://mbwholesaleparts.com/StarTuned/pdfs/AntiFreeDec04.pdf

The second to a coolant discussion that should probably be a DIY sticky:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/218844-coolant.html