I have a 2000 E430 Sport and I received a Low Coolant message on the dash board over the weekend, the car has about 74,000 miles. I was curious to know if I can simply refill or if I have to drain and then refill. In addition, is there a specific type of Coolant I need to use or can I simply use an after market brand?
I have a 2000 E430 Sport and I received a Low Coolant message on the dash board over the weekend, the car has about 74,000 miles. I was curious to know if I can simply refill or if I have to drain and then refill. In addition, is there a specific type of Coolant I need to use or can I simply use an after market brand?
Hey, Ken.
If you've not had it flushed and refilled in the last couple of years then just add some water to it and schedule that service. If you have then topping off is okay, depending on how low you actually are you may be able to just add some water to it, but if it's more than just a pint or so you'd be better off adding a blend.
You do need to use MB's coolant, some folks say Zerex is okay. If you take it to a proper MB shop (indie is fine) they will use the correct stuff.
If you're planning this as a DIY then be sure to check your hoses thoroughly for leaks, you might also want to rent a pressure tester to be sure, and inspect your cap as well.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
__________________ When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience.
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You may want to check around the engine compartment for any signs of a leak. The MB coolant evaporates leaving a white residue along the path of a leak. Also check the cap on the expansion tank. I just replaced mine because I got the same low coolant warning, could find no evidence of a leak, and the o-ring on the cap appeared flattened and hard. I noted that the car ran a little bit cooler after the replacement, indicating that the new cap pressurized the system better than the old one...
I was really curious as to the difference between Zerex and MB coolant. Checked the Zerex bottle and they claim to have ethylene glycol (no. 1 antifreeze ingredient), diethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, antifoam agents, and some dye. Everything that's needed in a conventional cooling system. I've used Zerex for years in all sorts of autos and I don't find that my Mercedes comes even close to the reliability I've experienced in those. I really don't see how MB coolant will help my cooling system perform any better than Zerex. Please clarify.
I think it has to do with the alum block and electrolysis,long term erosion etc. Mb safeguarded the problem with spec. fluid since I think rec change interval is 45,000 miles.I flush a/f every 3 years so zerex is not a problem.Just make sure all the air is bled out of the system.50/50 solution is about perfect.Check the water pump as above said it may be going.How low are you you can look into the side of the plastic res.and see how low it is,more than a few pints and it has to be going someplace.So if it is a quick pressure check will show you the weak link before it leaves you on the side of the road.
ohlord
Thanks for all the feedback so far... I will look into the Coolant level tomorrow and determine how to proceed based upon the suggestions above... will let you know the results...
I think it has to do with the alum block and electrolysis,long term erosion etc. Mb safeguarded the problem with spec. fluid since I think rec change interval is 45,000 miles.I flush a/f every 3 years so zerex is not a problem.Just make sure all the air is bled out of the system.50/50 solution is about perfect.Check the water pump as above said it may be going.How low are you you can look into the side of the plastic res.and see how low it is,more than a few pints and it has to be going someplace.So if it is a quick pressure check will show you the weak link before it leaves you on the side of the road.
ohlord
ohlord, 85% of cars produced in North America use aluminum engine blocks. That being the case wouldn't it seem logical that Zerex would have the proper corrosion inhibitors for this large population? I'm betting they do and that Zerex is as effective a coolant as any you can buy from the MB dealer. The frequent flush is probably a good practise, though. Ethylene glycol has a tendency to break down under high temperatures which may exist in some extreme conditions in the engine. The 50/50 solution is tried and true and protects against extremely cold environments. It's always a smart way to go even in the age of global warming.
ohlord, 85% of cars produced in North America use aluminum engine blocks. That being the case wouldn't it seem logical that Zerex would have the proper corrosion inhibitors for this large population? I'm betting they do and that Zerex is as effective a coolant as any you can buy from the MB dealer. The frequent flush is probably a good practise, though. Ethylene glycol has a tendency to break down under high temperatures which may exist in some extreme conditions in the engine. The 50/50 solution is tried and true and protects against extremely cold environments. It's always a smart way to go even in the age of global warming.
Just go ahead and use the green stuff . it's your car . Don't come crying back later
2000 E430 Sport - Low Coolant 
MB a/f 
. it's your car
. Don't come crying back later
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