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Type of brake fluid to use for w203

14K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  rudeney 
#1 ·
Lot of choices of dot 4 at Autohauz AZ...low viscosity, traditional polyethylene glycol, etc. anyone know which is most like Mercedes own? Thanks

2002 c240
 
#2 · (Edited)
I like ATE Super Blue racing fluid. It exceeds MBZ specs and because it's blue, you can visually see when you have replaced all the fluid at each wheel. When it's time to change again, buy the "Gold" version - it's the same stuff without the blue coloring.
 
#5 ·
Been reading up on the difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4, at the suggestion of another forum member who made a similar thread in (IIRC) the W220 section.

Basically, DOT 4 is DOT 3 with an extra additive to help the fluid handle heat better. This can matter when you're stopping a heavy vehicle (e. g. a Mercedes-Benz) from high speeds. Since these cars were meant for the Autobahn, it makes sense that you'd spec DOT 4.

That said, DOT 3 and DOT 4 are compatible with each other if you end up mixing them.

Since the C230 is listed as 3,450 lbs, and since you're unlikely to be driving at Autobahn speeds, DOT 3 is likely OK in the real world. We've been using DOT 3 for decades in yet heavier cars. But I would still put in DOT 4 for that extra bit of (possibly superfluous) protection, since it's available and reasonably priced.

As for "which" DOT 4 fluid, any of 'em will be fine. Just don't use DOT 5; it's not compatible with either 3 or 4.
 
#6 ·
Actually, driving at high speeds is less taxing on brakes than stop and go traffic. You need to make sure the fluid you choose has high enough wet and dry boiling points as required by the car. ATE exceeds the car's requirements. Even though Blue is no longer available (thanks to stupid DOT safety inspectors that might mistake it for washer fluid), Gold is still around.
 
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