Sorry if this is a trite inquiry, but I'm going to try to do normal maintaince on my ML430. MB says that you need to use all their brands of fluids; in my experience, manufacturers always do. Can I use off-the-shelf antifreeze, brake, power steering, and transmission fluids or is there a good reason to pay Mercedes prices for these items? Also, any brand recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much.

I would recommend that you use the Mercedes antifreeze,it is not that expensive and they have had problems with sensors on late models with not using MB coolant. Use synthetic oil whatever weight the book calls for and be sure to use dot4 brake fluid. Personally I like MB fluids, have had some issues with other brands.

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Mercedes Technician 7 Years (retired to Hyundai)
2000 Dodge Durango
98 Mazda truck

Thanks. Any thoughts on the power steering or transmission fluids for the '99 ML430?