w210 e320 1997 coolant level

[masoma741]

On my 1997 e320 w210. I cannot tell if the level of coolant is O.K.; the reservouir is not transparent and when -the engine is not hot and - I open the cap I cannot see fluid. No warning of low fluid level and no over heating!

If I want to top it should I just use regular drinking water?
thanks

[RichardM98]

When the engine is cold there should be coolant visible when looking down into the tank thru the cap opening. If you have trouble seeing the level, pour a little water (30ml or so) in and watch.

DO NOT fill to the opening as the upper black portion of the tank is for expansion when the system is hot. Drinking water is okay if not too salty. If so, mix with distilled water or use distilled water instead.

You might want to have the coolant concentration checked or buy a simple tester. MB recommends that the coolant system be drained and refilled every 3 years.

[masoma741]

Originally Posted by RichardM98

When the engine is cold there should be coolant visible when looking down into the tank thru the cap opening. If you have trouble seeing the level, pour a little water (30ml or so) in and watch.

DO NOT fill to the opening as the upper black portion of the tank is for expansion when the system is hot. Drinking water is okay if not too salty. If so, mix with distilled water or use distilled water instead.

You might want to have the coolant concentration checked or buy a simple tester. MB recommends that the coolant system be drained and refilled every 3 years.

Thanks Richard. I did exactly what you said; it took about 15oz in order to see the level at the junction of white plastic and black top of the coolant reservoir.