Coolant Change

[vatc5637]

Not sure if this is what others may be referring to but Zerex also makes a coolant that is designed for Asian auto brands that is pink. I use it for my T100 pickup in lieu of the official Toyota branded coolant which is also pink in color.


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[Duh_Vinci]

Not to add anymore inconsistency to the "known" color of G05, but now some people report the last purchased batches it is green? https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/3003135-zerex-g05-g48.html

 

[TerryA]

I’m almost afraid to ask this question but can anybody tell me why I should NOT be using Prestone’s 5 year coolant?
It’s GM approved for Aluminum engines.

It’s Gold in color. I’ve never had a problem (that I know of) with it in my 500E or my wife’s 2005 Caddy DeVille with the all Aluminum ‘Northstar’ V8.

Why should I switch to Zerex G-05 or G-48?

I can’t wait to hear the 1,001 reasons NOT to use the Prestone product.

 

[gerryvz]

The actual color of the coolant honestly, is irrelevant. It's the formulation of it that is important.

The G05 is what MB used to use (until switching to G48 in recent years) for many years for all of its engines. Zerex was the US manufacturer for MBUSA coolants sold here in the US for US-spec cars.

Why wouldn't you use the factory-fill coolant?

There are many stories out there about the "green stuff" (Prestone et al) wreaking havoc with MB engines. I've seen photographic evidence of this many times over the years.

I wouldn't use General Motors or Ford power steering or hydraulic fluids in my MBs, unless (such as is the case with Dexron III-compatible spec fluids, or DOT4 brake fluid) they meet the specifications that MB puts out there for their vehicles.

G05 is easy enough to get, and cheap enough (a gallon of concentrate makes two gallons of correctly diluted coolant for MBs) that I've never considered NOT using it.

Use what you like/will. You may never have any ill effect. I've seen documented cases where others have.

Cheers,
Gerry

P.S. The last time I bought Zerex G05, which was about 15 months ago (when I still lived in Texas), it was light gold/pink/straw colored as it always has been.

P.S.S. I think that's a pretty good yoink candidate, so I'm going to award one.

 

[JC220]

I bought a 20L drum of it locally a few months back and it was the usual yellowish colour. 20LX G-05 concentrate for about $25 (Makes 40L) About enough for one motley fleet coolant change



When it's still readily available and cheap at that - I would not move from it. After all it's formulation is approved and suitable for our older Benz engines. Who knows what chemicals the newer antifreezes might add or lack?? Not worth taking a chance IMHO.

 

[gsxr]

Not to add anymore inconsistency to the "known" color of G05, but now some people report the last purchased batches it is green? https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/3003135-zerex-g05-g48.html

I want to see photos first. I have a hard time believing Zerex changed to green color for G-05 but I have not purchased any recently:
https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/antifreeze-products/g-05-antifreeze-coolant

I’m almost afraid to ask this question but can anybody tell me why I should NOT be using Prestone’s 5 year coolant? It’s GM approved for Aluminum engines. It’s Gold in color. I’ve never had a problem (that I know of) with it in my 500E or my wife’s 2005 Caddy DeVille with the all Aluminum ‘Northstar’ V8. Why should I switch to Zerex G-05 or G-48?

I can’t wait to hear the 1,001 reasons NOT to use the Prestone product.

Terry, scroll up and read the article linked in post #17 earlier in this thread. Although the Prestone 5-year may not cause problems, why risk it? You're not saving any money (Zerex G-05 isn't expensive). And, Prestone seems too lazy to provide any serious information about their products, so it's impossible to tell from their website if it's a low-silicate HOAT formula, or not. G-05 was used for decades by Mercedes, and Zerex says it's ok to 5 years as well.

 

[sheward]

I bought a gallon of G05 less than a week ago. It's yellow.

drew

 

[TerryA]

Gerry/Dave,

The price of coolant has never been an issue with me I guess it was more of a convenience.

Thanks for giving me a reason to change to the Zerex.

Anyway, I due for a coolant change I be sure to find the Zerex G-05 or MBZ's G-48

 

[gerryvz]

I bought a gallon of G05 less than a week ago. It's yellow.

drew

As I thought .... more idiocy from the 126 forum at TFTSNBN.

 

[Klink]

The Benz USA dealer coolant BQ-1-03-0004 (G48) is readily available at dealers and it is the same as, or at least compatible with the still readily available G-05. The current color of this "0004" MBUSA dealer coolant is BLUE. You mix it with the previously supplied golden color stuff and you've got green. THAT may be causing some confusion. [Admin edit: BeVo link for G-48 is here.]

There is a pink tinted coolant available at USA dealers as part BQ-1-03-0005. They are NOT supposed to be mixed. It was the factory fill for many newer MB cars starting maybe ten years ago, IIRC? Maybe even a little longer... [Admin edit: The pink stuff is G40, for MB spec 325.5, and may have been factory fill as of ~2014?]

 

[gsxr]

Another helpful doc from the WIS attached, mostly applicable to newer models (and touting a 15-year change interval).

For the W124 chassis it's still preferred to use G-05 as long as it's still available, with a 3-5 year change interval.

 

[a777fan]

Since we’re talking colors, the Zerex G-05 i bought over the summer was light gold.

The g12/g13 i have on hand for my VW/Audi fleet is pink & light purple, respectively.


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[samiam44]

Dave,

Be careful with that 15 year rule on the G48. I believe on the newer cars which use it- have a supplimental coolant packet in the reservior(W211/W166s etc). So they maybe getting longer life by simply makeup-chemicals added.

"The coolant change process is so much fun, you'll likely end up stretching your next change interval to the 5-year/50kmi max allowed on the label of the G-05 bottle. "

I think the #1 thing ppl don't get is the chemistry of it. G05 is buffered and when it good shape- is PH neutral(ish). The original green stuff isn't buffered and starts out acidic and as it ages it gets basic. The basic mixture with heat is what eats rubber and causes plastics to degrade + throw reacting chemically with aluminum. Stu Ritter said you could monitor with litmus paper and go more years than 2. 2 year rule is conservative by nature. 5 years might be on the other side of the range and be considered more of a maximum.

 

[gsxr]

I agree completely. The 15-year rule applies to the chassis, not the coolant used. I would still change W124 coolant at 5 years with G48. You are correct that there is a silicate pack in the plastic reservoir in the 124, but I'm not sure that will allow the G48 to run out to 10 or 15 years. Maybe Klink knows.

Zerex is the one claiming 5 years with G05. I try to change by 5 years on my cars. I should check pH with litmus paper and see what I find for fresh vs 5 years (or longer, in parts cars that are in storage for extended periods).

 

[nocfn]

ye ole litmus test

 

[Kyiv]

I'm sticking with G-05 in all my cars until I find a good reason to switch to anything else

Dave, the above quote by you is from 2012. Have you, since then, switched G-48? Klink wrote (several years back in this thread) that G-48 and G-05 are intermixable. I would think that, all else being equal, G-48 is a preferable coolant to use since it's more modern. Even if its only advantage vs G-05, no?

Also, looking at this table, G-05 appears to my untrained and ignorant eye similar in kind to G40. Yet Klink mentioned G40 is not to be mixed with G-05 (and consequently G-48?). Which is the most modern and advanced coolant "approved" for use in M119?

 

[gerryvz]

If you want modern, up to date and advanced coolant for the M119, use the blue MB G-48.

If you want tried and true coolant that was originally spec'd for the M119, use the straw-colored G-05.

Either/or, but nothing else.

 

[gsxr]

Dave, the above quote by you is from 2012. Have you, since then, switched G-48? Klink wrote (several years back in this thread) that G-48 and G-05 are intermixable. I would think that, all else being equal, G-48 is a preferable coolant to use since it's more modern. Even if its only advantage vs G-05, no?

I have yet to hear any confirmed advantage of the G48 in older cars. I'm not opposed to using it, HOWEVER, if you currently have G-05, I would drain & refill with water first, run to operating temp, run the heater, etc to flush as much G-05 out as possible. Then drain again & refill with G-48.

Also, looking at this table, G-05 appears to my untrained and ignorant eye similar in kind to G40. Yet Klink mentioned G40 is not to be mixed with G-05 (and consequently G-48?). Which is the most modern and advanced coolant "approved" for use in M119?

The table above doesn't list enough data to really tell the difference between formulas. Remember, the M119 expansion reservoir has a silica pack inside and is designed to be used with antifreeze that is compatible with that added buffer. We know G-05 and G-48 are formally approved by MB so those are fine, but I don't think I'd mess with purple G40 unless we get more information on them. Sure wish @Klink could find a few mins to chime in. He's lurking on the forum but hasn't posted in forever!

 

[Klink]

325.0 Anticorrosion/antifreeze agents​

The following product list should help you to select the correct operating fluid for your vehicle/major assembly from the variety of products in the market.
We are recommending to use exclusively the products listed in the following overview, because only these products have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
We recommend using only products

1. which are distinctly marked with the label indicating the approval of Mercedes-Benz, e.g. “MB-Approval 229.51”. Labels referring e.g. to “MB 229.51” don't have an approval of Mercedes-Benz.
2. Which are listed in the current MB BeVo. Only listed products are tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Application area in all passenger vehicles and passenger vehicle engines produced until April 2014 Application area in commercial vehicles and industrial engines according MB BeVo 310.1​

Select Sheet 023.0110.1111.0112.0119.0125.0127.0131.0132.0134.0135.0136.0136.1136.2137.0138.0138.1141.0210.0211.0215.0219.0221.0222.0224.1224.2226.5226.51226.52226.9H228.0H228.1H228.2228.3228.31228.5228.51228.52228.61229.1H229.3229.31229.5229.51229.52229.6229.61229.71229.72231.0231.1231.2231.3235.0235.1235.10235.11235.12235.13H235.15235.16235.17235.20235.27235.28235.29235.3235.31235.4235.41235.5235.6235.61235.62235.63235.64235.66235.7235.71235.72235.73235.74235.8236.1236.10236.11236.12236.13236.14236.15236.17236.2236.20236.21236.22236.24236.25236.26236.3236.41236.5H236.6H236.7236.8236.81236.82236.9236.91238.22239.21239.31239.71239.72261.0264.0265.1266.0266.2267.0267.1267.2269.2310.1312.0320.1320.2325.0325.3325.5325.6325.7326.0326.3326.5326.6326.64326.7330.1331.0331.1332.0340.1341.0342.0343.0344.0345.0346.0347.0350.0361.0361.1361.3362.0362.1362.2362.3363.0371.0381.0382.0383.0385.1385.2385.3385.4385.5

Overview

Last update: 06/22/2021

Productname	Principal

Productname	Principal
Mercedes-Benz Korrosions-/ Frostschutzmittel MB 325.0-	Mercedes-Benz AG, Stuttgart/Deutschland
ALLIANCE PRIMECOOL C-MF	Mercedes-Benz Pty. Ltd. /Australia, Victoria, Mulgrave/AUSTRALIA
MB 325.0 Coolant A 000 989 01 25-	Mercedes-Benz AG, Stuttgart/Deutschland
MB 325.0 Coolant A 000 989 08 25-	Mercedes-Benz AG, Stuttgart/Deutschland
MB 325.0 Coolant A 000 989 09 25~	Mercedes-Benz AG, Stuttgart/Deutschland
ADECO FRIZANTIN G48®	ADECO doo, Novi sad/SERBIA
Alpine C48	Mitan Mineralöl GmbH, Ankum/Deutschland
Antifreeze ANF KK48	Kuttenkeuler Mineralölhandels- und Tankstellenbetriebsgesellschaft mbH, Köln-Rodenkirchen/Deutschland
Antifreeze Long Life NF-300	Raloy Lubricantes, S.A. de C.V., Santiago Tianguistenco/MEXICO
Antifreeze RL-Plus	Raloy Lubricantes, S.A. de C.V., Santiago Tianguistenco/MEXICO
ANTIFRIZ PLUS	Petrol d.d., Ljubljana/SLOVENIA
ARAL Antifreeze Extra	Aral Aktiengesellschaft, Hamburg/Deutschland
AVIA ANTIFREEZE APN	Avia AG, München/Deutschland
AVIATICON Finkofreeze F48	Finke Mineralölwerk GmbH, Visselhövede/Deutschland
CAR1 Premium-Longlife Kühlerschutz C48	Coparts Autoteile GmbH, Essen/Deutschland
Castrol Radicool NF	Castrol Limited, SWINDON/UNITED KINGDOM
CEPSA XTAR SUPER COOLANT HYBRID NF	CEPSA Comercial Petróleo, S.A.U., Madrid/SPAIN
CLASSIC KOLDA UE G48	CLASSIC Schmierstoff GmbH & Co. KG, Hoya/Deutschland
Comma Xstream G48	Moove Lubricants Limited, GRAVESEND/UNITED KINGDOM
COOLANT G48 CONCENTRATE	MOTOREX AG, Langenthal/Schweiz
Fuchs MAINTAIN FRICOFIN	Fuchs Petrolub AG, Mannheim/Deutschland
G-Energy Antifreeze NF	Gazpromneft-Lubricants LTD, MOSCOW/RUSSIA
Glixol Extra Plus Koncentrat	Zaklady Chemiczne Organika S.A., Lodz/POLAND
Glycostar ST48	Kuttenkeuler Mineralölhandels- und Tankstellenbetriebsgesellschaft mbH, Köln-Rodenkirchen/Deutschland
Glysantin® G48®	BASF SE, Ludwigshafen/Deutschland
INA Antifriz AL Ekstra	INA MAZIVA Ltd., Zagreb/CROATIA
LUBEX ANTIFREEZE TSN	Belgin Madeni Yaglar Tic. Ve San. A.S., Gebze Kocaeli/TURKEY
LUKOIL ANTIFREEZE HD G11 K	AO Obninskorgsintez , OBNINSK/RUSSIA
LUKOIL COOLANT PLUS	OOO LLK-International, MOSCOW/RUSSIA
MAXCool Hybrid	AVIAFLUID INTERNATIONAL LLC, Moscow/RUSSIA
Mobil Antifreeze Extra	ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, SPRING, Texas/USA
Mobil GS 333 Plus	ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, SPRING, Texas/USA
MOFIN Kühlerschutz M48 Premium Protect	Mofin Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Hoya/Deutschland
NAPA Premium Kühlerschutz N48	Alliance Automotive Service GmbH, Münster/Deutschland
Neste Pro+ Coolant B	Neste Markkinointi Oy, Neste Oil/FINLAND
Pakelo Coolant G48® Blue Green	Pakelo Motor Oil S.r.l., San Bonifacio (VR)/ITALY
PANOLIN ANTI-FROST MT-325	PANOLIN AG, MADETSWIL/Schweiz
SINOPEC Antifreeze B25.0	Lubricant Company, Sinopec Corp., Beijing/P. R. of CHINA
TECTROL COOLPROTECT	BayWa AG, München/Deutschland
TIRRENO ORGANIC COOL G 4893M	Tirreno Industria e Comercio de Produtos Quimicos Ltda , SAO PAULO/BRAZIL
Valvoline OEM Advanced 48	The Valvoline Company, LEXINGTON, KY/USA
Zerex G 48	The Valvoline Company, LEXINGTON, KY/USA

 

[Klink]

The above was a long way of saying "MB dealer blue" It is readily available here in yank as part BQ 1 03 0004. And/or any coolant that shows the EXACT script "MB-Approval 325.0" on the container. Some have mentioned the particle packets that are in the expansion tanks. Those started with around '95 in the diesel 124 and the they slowly phased in across the lineup.

 

[nehuge]

I just wonder what G48 has over the G05?

Anyways, if G48 is blue and you ever get a head gasket leak with oil coming in, it'd be harder to see oil in dark blue fluid than it would be to see in a golden yellow fluid like G05, heh.

 

[nehuge]

It does also look like G48 is pre-mixed, and the G05 needs to be mixed with water, according to the back of the bottle as of November 2022.

 

[gsxr]

It does also look like G48 is pre-mixed, and the G05 needs to be mixed with water, according to the back of the bottle as of November 2022.

G-05 is available either full-strength, or pre-mixed. I assume the same applies to G-48. Usually the cost is the same per gallon for either, making the pre-mix twice the price for convenience. Years ago I accidentally bought the wrong stuff from Zoro and now I read the ad copy very carefully before buying.

In the past, Zoro often had the best deal on G-05 when used with their 20-25% coupons, if you are buying multiple gallons. Looks like most FLAPS / McParts are roughly $18-$20 per gallon for the 100%/concentrate. Zoro is $19/gal but that drops to $15/gal with a 20% coupon, free shipping over $50. Their coupons are now single-use (unique) so it may be difficult to get one if you are not on their mailing list.

Zerex ZXG051 $18.89 Antifreeze Coolant, 1 gal., Concentrated | Zoro.com

Order Zerex Antifreeze Coolant, 1 gal., Concentrated, ZXG051 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[gerryvz]

I'm happy to just pay a few bucks more for a gallon or two of G-05 at my local auto parts store. Mainly for the convenience of having it RIGHT NOW instead of a week later. When I need coolant, I need coolant. I agree, the pre-mixed stuff is a ripoff - distilled water is cheap.

 

[gsxr]

I'm happy to just pay a few bucks more for a gallon or two of G-05 at my local auto parts store. Mainly for the convenience of having it RIGHT NOW instead of a week later. When I need coolant, I need coolant. I agree, the pre-mixed stuff is a ripoff - distilled water is cheap.

Very true - if easily available locally, no point in stocking up, as you don't change coolant very often. But if you live in the boonies and/or have a small fleet of MB's, it might be helpful to keep some on the shelf.

 

[Jlaa]

Dave,

Be careful with that 15 year rule on the G48. I believe on the newer cars which use it- have a supplimental coolant packet in the reservior(W211/W166s etc). So they maybe getting longer life by simply makeup-chemicals added.

The coolant change process is so much fun, youll likely end up stretching your next change interval to the 5-year/50kmi max allowed on the label of the G-05 bottle.

I think the #1 thing ppl dont get is the chemistry of it. G05 is buffered and when it good shape- is PH neutral(ish). The original green stuff isnt buffered and starts out acidic and as it ages it gets basic. The basic mixture with heat is what eats rubber and causes plastics to degrade + throw reacting chemically with aluminum. Stu Ritter said you could monitor with litmus paper and go more years than 2. 2 year rule is conservative by nature. 5 years might be on the other side of the range and be considered more of a maximum.

I agree completely. The 15-year rule applies to the chassis, not the coolant used. I would still change W124 coolant at 5 years with G48. You are correct that there is a silicate pack in the plastic reservoir in the 124, but Im not sure that will allow the G48 to run out to 10 or 15 years. Maybe Klink knows.

Zerex is the one claiming 5 years with G05. I try to change by 5 years on my cars. I should check pH with litmus paper and see what I find for fresh vs 5 years (or longer, in parts cars that are in storage for extended periods).

6 years and 4 months ago, I put in a new radiator, coolant tank w silica pack, and new hoses. Filled with blue MB G-48. I just tested the coolant…this test strip seems to indicate that the coolant is slightly basic, which, according to the test, is good. Furthermore, the test strip indicates that when the coolant get slightly acidic, that it is time to replace the coolant.

 

[gsxr]

I agree completely. The 15-year rule applies to the chassis, not the coolant used. I would still change W124 coolant at 5 years with G48. You are correct that there is a silicate pack in the plastic reservoir in the 124, but Im not sure that will allow the G48 to run out to 10 or 15 years. Maybe Klink knows.

Zerex is the one claiming 5 years with G05. I try to change by 5 years on my cars. I should check pH with litmus paper and see what I find for fresh vs 5 years (or longer, in parts cars that are in storage for extended periods).

Update on my post from 5 years ago. After learning that my W211 was allowed to go 15 years / 150kmi with plain old G-05, it seemed fishy that older chassis (W210, W124) were held to the 3-year rule by MB and 5-year by Zerex. All three chassis have the same silica pack in the reservoir, all have engines with aluminum block/heads and aluminum/plastic radiator. No significant changes occurred to magically enable the 211 to go FIVE TIMES longer without a coolant change.

I bought coolant pH test strips (link) and tested all my vehicles (124 & 210), including some parts cars which have been in storage 10+ years. ALL of them tested with normal / good pH levels. No need to replace the antifreeze, yet. While it won't hurt to change at 3-5 years, it's also a RPITA, especially if your M119 has the early block drains (roughly pre-March 1993 production). If you want to push the change interval past ~5 years, it would be a good idea to at least get the test strips and check the pH every couple of years for peace of mind.

 

[Ascension]

Try using the Evans Waterless coolants, it is proven to eliminate all problems associated with water based coolants. And it also improves your cooling system performance.

Evans is a far far superior product to any water based product. It's also a real PITA to swap to as you MUST get all the old water based product out of the system. Folks like Jay Leno swear by the stuff and water cooled bikes ect plus diesel trucks that pull in the rockeys ect all will run nothing else. It's not cheap and is a involved process to swap to if you do it right but IMO for a high end collectable car is worth a hard look! You can pull you radiator cap with the stuff and it wont over heat as has a very high boiling point. It also absolutely will not break down and cause corrosion so you never change it again. The only down side is your engine temp will be higher but the stuff boils at 180 C so--. I looked hard at Evans when I was running white block Volvos because of some particular issues with them and have also run it in water cooled dirt bikes.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Old thread, but I can't find ANY G-05 locally anywhere anymore!

Is G-48 compatible/can be mixed as a top off in G-05 filled system?

Regards,
D

 

[Jlaa]

Old thread, but I can't find ANY G-05 locally anywhere anymore!

Is G-48 compatible/can be mixed as a top off in G-05 filled system?

Regards,
D

Have you tried NAPA?

Order for pick up tomorrow:

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Have you tried NAPA?

Order for pick up tomorrow:

View attachment 173292

I have it in the cart for NAPA, that seem to be the only place (about 30 min away from me). It's for my brother's car, he kinda needs it today to top off, it's not a dire issue, but since that new G-48/Euro blue available from Autozone across the street, hoping these are "mixable"?

EDIT: I just can't believe that I'm completely out of G-05 personally!

 

[gsxr]

I'd avoid mixing, because yellow + blue = GREEN...

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I'd avoid mixing, because yellow + blue = GREEN...

But will it be that "beautiful iridescent green "?

I found a quarter of the jug at my parents house this morning, so he is good. But I can not be wo G05! Yes, I could have ordered from NAPA and drove 30 min, but...

Amazon will deliver 6 jugs of G05 and 4 jugs of G48 on Wed instead...

 

[Trae]

With the old cars on battery tenders and not being driven enough, was wondering about antifreeze since I had not changed them in more than a few years.
Ordered the antifreeze test strips to see where the fleet stands. Thanks for this tip!

 

[Oldcar]

I have 2 new gallons of coolant
1 is G05 the other is prestone
Q is prestone ok and can I mix?
Haven't changed for a long.. time!. but coolant looked and tested good.
Drained it today and has tap water in it now.....fully burped and runs cooler with water go figure...lol ...

 

[gsxr]

Prestone is NOT ok.

Do NOT mix them!! Do not mix any different coolants, especially if they are different colors (chemistries).

Make sure to carefully read post #5 in this thread.

 

[Oldcar]

Thanks gsxr you the man...
By the way how fast did you go on that zucki

 

[Oldcar]

Prestone is NOT ok.

Do NOT mix them!! Do not mix any different coolants, especially if they are different colors (chemistries).

Make sure to carefully read post #5 in this thread.

This on unopened had it for years is it the one?

 

[gsxr]

This on unopened had it for years is it the one?

That's the new blue stuff, G-48. I wouldn't mix this with yellow G-05. The blue G-48 is fine to use. If you need more than ~33% ratio for freeze protection where you live, you'll need another half-gallon of G48...

 

[Oldcar]

That's the new blue stuff, G-48. I wouldn't mix this with yellow G-05. The blue G-48 is fine to use. If you need more than ~33% ratio for freeze protection where you live, you'll need another half-gallon of G48...

Ok thanks!