I need to add brake fluid to my recently purchased 97 SL 320. The current fluid is blue and not the normal clear/amber of DOT 3 or purple of DOT 5 ( silicone ). I've never had to use DOT 4 or 4+ before, is there a standard color?

Any idea if factory fluid is blue? I'd like to use the same stuff because the master cylinder reservoir is spotless inside and there is no sign that the master cyl / reservoir was ever replaced. Usually a black sludge will form after a few years using regular fluid.

Not sure of the color of DOT 5 but adding amber to purple might appear to be blue.

All manufacturers recommend flushing the brake fluid every 2 years. If you aren't certain when it was done last this might be a good opportunity to ensure that you have the correct DOT4+ in your car.

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Good luck.






1998 E320 Wagon

Found this:
http://www.amazon.com/ATE-Super-Racing-Brake-Fluid/dp/B0007SN6F6

Maybe someone used it, probably fine stuff, don't know.

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This may be of help in determining what fluid you have.
I would not want to mix DOT 5 with DOT 3 ,4 or 5.1

Brake fluid -how to tell which kind you have DOT 3 or DOT 5 - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

Mixing Dot 3 with Dot 4 is OK. BUT never use any Dot 5 brake fluid in that car!

Ate Blue or Type 200 are the SAME fluid with just a blue color in the Ate Blue.
Both of those fluids are compatible with any Dot 4 or Dot 4+.

They also have a slightly higher boiling point as well.

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