Bought new hoses etc. for the cooling system in my recently acquired -84 SD, but realized that I cannot justify spending $29.95/gallon at the dealership for the Mercedes Benz coolant (I am aiming for 45% of 12 quarts (55% water), so I would need to purchase two gallons to make that happen). So the green stuff it is going to be, and I'll be sure to check past posts for people's recommendations for the right brand.
I've read from Pindelski (I think), that phosphate free (which forms, anybody???) is the major advantage of the MB coolant (presumably won't attack the parts of the coolant system). Being a bit of a skeptic, I don't fully buy into MB coolant being all that (with that pricetag, there better be gold particles causing the color! ). So why should I invest in MB coolant?
Beyond checking that my coolant is pretty neutral in pH, is there anything else I could do for the system's future well-being? Just trying to be 'preventive' here. Thanks.

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1983 300SD, 1999 200 cdi and 1998 1,6 (gasser)

Phil at FastLane sells it for $21.56/gallon

Okay - that's a bit better... I may just go for that.

Designed for Mercedes Benz automobiles...(?).

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1983 300SD, 1999 200 cdi and 1998 1,6 (gasser)

Yes, it's the OE MB coolant.

Zerez G5 is available at Pep Boys for around $12/gal.

I bought 2 gallons the other day. Same stuff as the MB coolant.

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Joe

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1980 300SD - 495k miles - 'The Ambassador'
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Former Family Members
95 C280
73 280SEL
90 300D
87 300SDL (X2)
86 560SEL
84 300D
80 300SD

Ok, I think I'll give in here. Plus, it looks like if I buy over $100 worth of goodies the shipping is free (surely I can come up with enough things I 'need' for the Benz!! ). Thanks.

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1983 300SD, 1999 200 cdi and 1998 1,6 (gasser)

I think its supposed to be better for the plastics in the cooling system, such as the radiator and expansion tank. I'm using the green stuff...

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1976 BMW 2002- 100k
1995 BMW 325i 175k
1984 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbo Diesel- 270,000 mi

1981 Mercedes Benz 240D- Estimated 300,000+ mi Returned to the earth

Dang! $29.95? My local dealer sold me a gallon for $14.50 in November!

For the record, Zerex G-05 is the same thing as MB coolant, and can be found at regular auto parts stores for much cheaper.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

Does anyone know if the Zerex G5 is the same thing as the Toyota red coolant? This would save me a lot of money on coolant if I get another Benz, then I could use one coolant in 2 rigs...

Ok, Zerex G-05 it is then, this is way better suitable for my thin wallet!

The guy at the MB parts counter did tell me that the coolant price had just gone up at the beginning of this month...

Thank you all for comments!

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1983 300SD, 1999 200 cdi and 1998 1,6 (gasser)

Make sure you also use only distilled water mixed withthe G-05.
Also a nice touch to add in your MB is NapaKool from a NAPA dealer.

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'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

Yep that is who makes the MB coolant and relabels it and doubles the price!

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

Wow that stuff got expensive! I only paid $14 last time at the dealer!

I wonder why the price is going nuts?

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Because crude oil is going up....

That seems to give everybody a reason to raise prices, valid or not.

Stinking oil barrons.

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair