I'm curious, did Mercedes put SCAs (supplemental coolant additives) in the '96 E300D from the factory?

Mine appears to have standard green coolant. I have not yet tested it to determine whether it has the proper levels of SCA.

I have been planning to drain it, flush, and replace the coolant with Zerex G-05, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

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Lots of diesel W126s in the past
Current: 1991 Toyota 4Runner with an OM603

There is something in the plastic expansion tank (replacement 124 tanks have this also), don't know if it's an SCA or what that is. Green coolant was added to your car by a PO; Zerex or factory coolant (looks yellow) is better. Note that Mercedes has changed its coolant, I posted an announcement here a few months ago. The new coolant has a slight bluish tinge and is suspected to be similar to what BMW uses. The new and old factory coolants are mixable, according to the factory bulletin, but I'd drain completely before trying any different coolant. that's just my personal preference.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Ok. I'll stick with my plan of doing a flush/replace (with G-05) soon. Thanks.

__________________
Lots of diesel W126s in the past
Current: 1991 Toyota 4Runner with an OM603