Window washing fluid resevoir

[Dunnik]

This may seem like a stupid question but I'm still new to the car. The included picture is the window washing fluid reservoir, yes? Just wanted to be 100% sure.

Also, the manual recommends either using MB's own fluid or to mix with water. I presume this isn't necessary and I can use off the shelf fluid as is, yes?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

[gerryvz]

That is the windshield washer fluid reservoir, yes. Twist off the cap to fill it.

MB washer fluid called "Sommerfit" comes in little plastic vials. You empty one into a gallon of water, mix it together, and fill your reservoir via the twist-off cap as needed. Note that the MB fluid does NOT have antifreeze in it - so it WILL freeze in the winter (ask me how I know). While I do have a large supply of the MB fluid per our member "captruff," -- I will be using an anti-freeze fluid in the winters here going forward.

Unlike with engine oils and other fluids, I think that it is OK to substitute other types/brands of washer fluid as needed. I know that Rain-X makes a green "summer" bug-cleaner fluid that my girlfriend uses in her 4Runner and Lexus that seems to work well. They also make an orange all-season fluid that is good.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[Dunnik]

Thanks Gerry

 

[gsxr]

And yes, you can use any fluid. I generally use the Rain-X orange stuff as it seems to stain less than the more-common blue fluid, but either is fine.

BTW, your plastic coolant tank appears original. Might want to replace that at the next coolant flush/replacement (along with a new level sensor and cap).

 

[Dunnik]

Good tip, thanks, and yes it sure looks original and probably is.

 

[luckymike]

I use the Wurth product. Makes me feel good it being German and all: http://www.goodspeedmotoring.com/wurth-screenwash-additive.html

 

[IslandMon]

Also, it looks like the rubber grommets around the metal tubing going into the washer reservoir are missing. Not a big deal, but you may lose some washer fluid if it is topped up, while you are going around corners.

 

[gsxr]

Also, it looks like the rubber grommets around the metal tubing going into the washer reservoir are missing. Not a big deal, but you may lose some washer fluid if it is topped up, while you are going around corners.

Good catch. Yep, the rubber gromments are MIA. They are cheap and relatively easy to install. A new plastic snap-on lid and screw-on cap are not expensive either, while you're in there.

 

[skikrazey]

I have been running of the shelf blue stuff with Orange P21S added to the gallon before filling the tank. Does a good job of cutting the film that gets on the windshield and bugs as well.

 

[nocfn]

I use filtered water and the summer smooze…. Until I run out of it in 2028.

 

[LWB250]

I just scored a dozen tubes of the MB summer stuff from "captruff", it's the only thing I use. At that price I pay far less than the dealer wholesale cost and I have a bunch on the shelf for whenever I need them.

You will have to disconnect the cooling system hoses to the "heater" pipe to replace the rubber grommets, but it's an easy job. As long as you release the pressure from the cooling system beforehand you won't lose any coolant to speak of. Might also want to get a new reservoir cap, too. They're about $4.00 and are simple to replace. I'm betting the retention strap on yours is probably gone if it's the original - they all tend to break off over the years. Grommet part number is 010 997 13 81 I believe.
While you're doing this I would also suggest replacing the grommets on the windshield washer and headlight washer pumps. If they're not leaking now they will be in the future. Be very, very careful removing the pumps - it's easy to do and there's a technique - you push the pump body straight up while it's in place in the recess on the reservoir. DO NOT "TIP" IT OUT!!" I say this because it's what most people try to do when removing the pump. This approach will snap the "nose" of the pump off in the grommet and render your pump useless.

If you push the pump straight up in the recess where it's held in place, the nose of the pump will come out of the grommet and clear it. At that point you can tip it out of the recess without damage. The pump is held in place by the physical pressure of the reservoir, so you'll just pull or pry on the top of it and it will come out. Installation is the reverse of removal - snap the pump into the recess, minding the position of the pump outlet that projects out of the pump body. At this point I like to make sure the "nose" of the pump has some water or other lubricant on it so it will slide easily into the grommet. Push the pump straight down to engage the nose with the grommet in the reservoir housing and you're done.

The grommet is a Mercedes part number 123 997 36 81 and will set you back around $2.00 list, far less if you buy it from an online dealer. DO NOT buy aftermarket versions of this part! You'll need two of them, one for each pump. I usually keep some on the shelf, as they fit literally every model Mercedes ever made as far as I know.

This is an easy and very satisfying job to do, as seeing the ratty grommets around those heater lines always bugs me.

Dan

 

[Bogeyman]

I know it's just me, but when I open the hood and see "blue stuff" or whatever other color in the washer tank it bugs me just like seeing green coolant in the reservoir.