Owner's manual on my recently-acquired 2006 says 15 years/150k miles. Isn't this stuff Zerex G05? I didn't think coolant of any kind could last that long. What's the deal?

I keep finding surprises with this car. I'm just not used to something with such a non-needy maintenance schedule.

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

Yeah, it's real. The only reason to change coolant is because the anti-corrosive additives are consumed over time. MB has added a package of anti-corrosive additives to the coolant tank. As a result, the coolant does not become depleted of them over time. If there's no corrosion, and no loss of corrosive protection, then no need to change the coolant. How they came up with 15 years is a mystery to me, though.

- JimY

MB has already changed that back to a scheduled service.

Just like all lubricants/fluids it needs to be changed.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
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190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
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Retired Moderator

They said 15 years because they knew eventually something would leak out and you'd replace it before then. Hef just replaced my coolant lines, they lasted 18 years.

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

Do you do the BG flushes, MB DOC? I've heard a lot of mechanics say they do and believe in them. I understand the coolant flush is probably a lot better than doing it the old way with a garden hose, but I'm wondering what to expect from some of the others, like the tranny flush. They're a little expensive, but probably worthwhile if they truly do work.

What's your opinion?

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

Hi Doc, is this a recent change? I checked the Maintenance Sheets for several different models (gas, diesel, AMG) and they still recommend the 15 year/150,000 mile interval for coolant replacement beginning in model year 2002, and thru model year 2008. Did I miss something on Startekinfo?

MB uses the same antifreeze in all cars & recommends anti-freeze changes in AMG cars at 2-3 years & on the SLR every 4 years.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

My new GM car has an oil-change computer that is telling me I need to change the engine oil approx every 15k miles. If I did that, it would probably run fine for as long as the rest of the car lasted (maybe).

The MB also might run fine for 15 years on the original coolant. It's sorta sealed, and not subject to a lot of contammination.
But my "old school" training says to change fluids at reasonable intervals, and expect it to run fine for well beyond 15 years.
I think that's why we love MB's - durability above all others. I'd drain and refill every 4 years or so - why, I don't know, just seems "reasonable".

DG