Mercedes-Benz brand Coolant(s).....are they worth using?
 

Are there two different types sold at the MB dealers?

What is the difference between the two types?

And, is there any real advantage to either of the types sold at MB versus off-brand coolants?

And finally; is each one of the MB coolants sold at MB dealers, specific to use in certain year MBs?

I only know of one MB coolant. I use it because I've read that there are additives in it that help preserve the plastic parts of the radiator.

It's not all that expensive so why not use it?

I also only use distilled water.

Zerex G-05
 

Same,Same as MB branded coolant.

Much Less Expensive.

X2 on the Distilled ONLY Water.

Make your own choice. :smart:

The Zerex® G-05 is the same the MB. I couldn't get it locally in Brooklyn. What Strauss and Autozone where selling was the 50/50, for $10 to $15 per gallon. MB sells the non diluted for $26 per gallon. So one gallon of MB will give you two gallons of 50/50. That's $13 per gallon. It sounds as a good deal to me. :)

I bought non-diluted Zerex G-05 for IRC $14/gal at NAPA auto.

Lucky you! Strauss used to sell it here in Brooklyn, but no more.

Michael

Yep. I remember seeing a picture somewhere else....with the Zerex G05 jug right beside the Mercedes one. They are exactly the SAME! Other than the labeling of course.

NO

Both Zerex and the MB branded coolant are made by Valvoline in the US market. Both meet MB spec for coolant. Considering that coolant life is approximately 2 years . . . just get the ones that meet MB spec and don't worry about it for 24 months.

X2 with MTI.

The 3 most important things are ;

1/ replace every 2 years
2/ dont mix different brands.
3/ Only use distilled/clean rain water for dilution, not tap water.

Thanks for the expert advice.

I've found the oem one to be very slick and thick (as far as liquids go) compared to other types. It is a bit like baby shampoo.

It feels different, isn't prohibitively expensive so i am using it.

Even if it has no actual benefits, it just feels right.