DOT rating of brake fluid in 2003 ML?

[Bobby Dazzler]

Changed the pads today and had to draw off some excess brake fluid, and I was absolutely paranoid about spilling drops.

Done some research and found several sources (google.co.uk: brake fluid paint) that suggest that glycol-based (DOT 3 and DOT 4) brake fluid strips paint - as per normal thinking. However, also several sites suggest that silicone-based (DOT 5) brake fluid doesn't affect paint at all.

Any idea which would be used when the vehicle was being built, ie glycol/silicon DOT3/4/5?? (2003 ML270CDi)

All thoughts gratefully received, as usual.

 

[Dieselman]

Dot 4.

DOT 5 is not for road vehicles as it doesn't absorb moisture.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Dot 4.

DOT 5 is not for road vehicles as it doesn't absorb moisture.

Shame as it seems DOT 5 is a little more forgiving if you have a mishap!!

When syphoning, a little dripped down on to something below (chassis rail??) - I'm hoping it won't have caused any damage as it's not painted with exterior paint. Anyone with any thoughts??

Spoke to someone today who thinks that DOT 3 and DOT 4 is only bad news for cellulose paints and not water-based paints. Anyone know for sure??