grumpyoldgit
MB Enthusiast
You could possibly have a failing thermostat. Optimum temperature is approx 90º, above 80º should be reached fairly quickly. 15-30 mins seems quite a long time for a petrol engine.
Typical antifreeze-to-water mixture is 50% - 50%, and should never exceed more than 70% - 30%, as the freezing/boiling properties of the mixture do not improve significantly after that point.
Typical antifreeze-to-water mixture is 50% - 50%, and should never exceed more than 70% - 30%, as the freezing/boiling properties of the mixture do not improve significantly after that point.
I was being overly cautious when I said 15 - 30 mins, it actually reaches 80c within about 5 mins. So these temps are pretty normal? What coolant do you recommend and is it gauged by computer also like engine oil?
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grumpyoldgit
MB Enthusiast
If the temperature is reaching and maintaining 80º+ it sounds fine.
MB coolant/anti-freeze would be best but any that meet their approved list - MB 325.0 - Anticorrosion/antifreeze agents (Specification 325.0) - Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Operating Fluids are fine.
I believe theirs is good for 15 years / 250,000 miles so you may already have it in your car. However, I don't know when they started using it as standard, but your local dealer should be able to advise.
The only thing monitored is the coolant level, not the mix ratio. You would need to check that with an anti-freeze hydrometer. (Not a battery hydrometer). Checking and topping up car antifreeze coolant | How a Car Works
All good local garages will have these and would be able to check the mix strength for you, probably as a favour or for a drink.
MB coolant/anti-freeze would be best but any that meet their approved list - MB 325.0 - Anticorrosion/antifreeze agents (Specification 325.0) - Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Operating Fluids are fine.
I believe theirs is good for 15 years / 250,000 miles so you may already have it in your car. However, I don't know when they started using it as standard, but your local dealer should be able to advise.
The only thing monitored is the coolant level, not the mix ratio. You would need to check that with an anti-freeze hydrometer. (Not a battery hydrometer). Checking and topping up car antifreeze coolant | How a Car Works
All good local garages will have these and would be able to check the mix strength for you, probably as a favour or for a drink.
