I know this is an old-lost thread... but I wanted to add something.


First, I do not think the majority will be able to get 20-30 years to a plastic radiator regardless of the coolant used. But, within this thread there was always the question on what makes G05 coolant different?

It's quite simple, the buffering ability. It's not the ethylene glycol content. Get some ph papers and check to make sure the coolant is neither acid or basic. As it ages and reacts with electoylsis byproducts- it becomes more basic. You'll find the MB coolant does buffer better for 2-3 years.

That's the short of the "Stu Ritter" explaination I got- he was a chemist in college and actually checked PH of the coolants.

M

15 years
 

They probably will.

My 2008 C300's manual shows a 15 year coolant change and at this point there is no reason to believe this isn't technically possible. It's also possible than this will change at some point when cooling problems might start appearing, particularly if MB has to pay the repair bills.

Keep in mind that the MB "lifetime trans fluid) idea didn't last too long and the change interval became about 38000 miles in 2005 (or before) because of warranty claims related to fluid related problems.

I am a believer in following factory recommendations and the proof for me is that the aluminum radiator in my 26+ year old Porsche 944 is the original due to the use of the required Phosphate Free antifreeze. Considering the cost of a gallon jug and a three year change interval, any additional cost over the cheap stuff is irrelevant.

There are many cars that use plastic rad tanks/necks, alum heads/blocks. My Lexus (owned 1) recommended Toy (pink) antifreeze, my Land Rover (1) recommends Land Rover antifreeze, my jeeps (owned 4) recommended Chry antifreeze, my BMW's (8) recommend BWW, and my Volvos (5) recommend Volvo antifreeze. All the Porsches (8) have been/are air cooled!!! I'm sure most manufact's recommend their own brand. Do all of these cars need/require their own antifreeze? Do each of them use a significant diff mixture of alloys in their heads/blocks, and are the antifreeze mixtures that different?????

Now, having said the above, if I purchased a new "whatever" car, I'd let the dealer do it's maint "thing" for the first several years of ownership, then I'd take over.

Not disagreeing/agreeing at all, just can't believe they are all different!

I've always just gone to autozone, and grabbed Zerex/Prestone for the last 25yrs, and never had a coolant related failure in the past 25yrs of messing with these cars.

i don't buy that there's a difference between mb coolant and g05--it's the same coolant repackaged into an mb bottle. no buffering difference, whatever that means

If you want a guideline that is based on MB recommendations, there is no prohibition against using the green stuff on vehicles made in 1968 or earlier, and this may be due to the lack of plastic parts, or the limited use of aluminum.

Plus in these earlier cars, the owner's manual does not specify MB brand coolant or Zerex G-05 in any place I've found.

I'm not sure Zerex was available in the 1950s ot 1960s or had been tested by MB, so how can it be the standard for the earlier cars?

After 1968, you're on your own.