Posts on this and other MB sites indicate that MB coolant(purchased @ MB dealer) is the color RED.

Havoline introduced Dex-Cool, a phosphate-free coolant awhile back; it too is RED. There just aren't that many quality coolants that are RED. Does anyone know if the new MB coolant(RED) is made by Havoline?

Mike Murrell
'91 300-SEL

I just stocked up my shelf in the garage at home with a bunch of MB coolant, and it was still orange, like always. But to answer your question, yes, Texaco/Havoline does make it for Mercedes. A very good product indeed. In fact, in all of my non-MB cars, I use the Havoline 5yr/150K coolant which is also orange, but comes in a black jug with an orange cap. I don't use any additives in my Mercedes, but in the Bimmer, the DeLorean and the Jensen I pour in a bottle of Red Line Water Wetter when I change the coolant just to keep them happy. Never had an overheating problem with any of my Benzes, but the BMW 745i, while I have never had an overheating problem as of yet, is known for overheating, as are the DeLorean and the Jensen. Water Wetter is always good precaution if you have a car that is notorious for running a little on the warm side.


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'86 420SEL
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'84 BMW 745i Turbo

DOes it really matter who supplies MBUSA with antifreeze? If you ever want to know, just ask retail outlet (dealer) for MSDS & it will have info for your safety. Tne new anti/fr isn't the type that others are touting as enviroment/safe. That type requires complete flushing of cooling system.
Perhaps this is the type A/F that the US branch of Damiler/CH has always used.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR
1986 190E 16V

Aaron - thanks for your reply. Kinda what I thought.

MBDOC - The reason I asked has to do with $$.
Why pay an MB dealer $10 or > for MB coolant when I can but Havoline Dex-Cool(same thing as MB coolant) from Wal-Mart for about half
the price???

Mike Murrell
'91 300SEL

ive always used prestone it works fine

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Dan Younes
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1985 euro 500sel 220k
1981 300sd 278k sold
1979 240d 298k sold
1983 300d 272k sold
1989 chrysler 2.2l Turbo
Leabaron 130k
1991 300e 2.6 (hopefully soon)

As a new Benz owner, is it ok to use the coolants that are new on the market today (safe for alumnium components)? Or, should I use only the MB coolant? Advantages other than cost... Appreciate your advice.

Most anti/fr has aluminum protection, however Mercedes uses ALL aluminum engines & most a/fr doesn't contain the same additives as this special blend.
Checked the MSDS today & Valvoline is listed as only supplier. On older cars with Cast-iron blocks I'm sure that auto-parts store a/fr will do. Remember to flush system & replace a/fr every 2-3 years, EVEN if the freezing point is OK the anti-corrosive additives will fail!

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR
1986 190E 16V

I beg to differ from the above.My Canadian dealer supplied MB antifreeze is almost colourless,slight beige not red.Its about the same price/sometimes cheaper than Havoline orange long life coolant.Hence I always buy the dealer supplied original coolant.

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Tom 1992 300E 2.6

Don't beg to differ too much!! MBUSA is a different company than MB Canada. They were fomally both part of MBNA. We only have the red color anti/fr here unless it's been sitting for a long time.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR
1986 190E 16V

Have used M-B antifreeze (# Q 1 03 0002) for nearly two decades and have NEVER seen it offered in a red formulation, only in an almost colorless light beige/straw color. This includes purchases from dealers in Florida, Lousiana and Germany. Can't imagine MBNA is offering different formulations throughout the U.S.

The only auto manufacturer's antifreeze that I've seen that was colored red has been Toyota's.

Try buying one today & see the RED light!! Since I use this daily I can tell you that is has been RED for more than several months!

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR
1986 190E 16V

Not disputing your statement, just curious that there are apparently two versions of this AF around. Bought a gallon from a M-B dealer three weeks ago - it was straw-colored.

While we're on the topic, what's this about the RED coolant supposed to last for the life of the car? (Per the owner's manual, I think... not mine, so I can't verify.) Is this just more manufacturer's propaganda like the 8000+ mile oil change? Should it still be changed every 2-3 years?

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Larry D
'76 240D @120k

Ehhh some of the warehouses are still full of the old clear/beige antifreeze, it's kinda like the new dollar coin...it'll take awhile before you get one.