360 antifreeze substitute?

Check the Zerex antifreeze products. There is a lively discussion on a very similar subject on Benzworld.com.

 

You live in SF don't you, go to any Shell gas station.

 

I have heard very good things about both the BMW and Mercedes anti-freeze products. I have been using the BMW stuff in my 355.

 

I paid $17.00 a gallon at my Mercedes dealer for concentrate. One of the posts on Benzworld.com (located in Portland, OR I think) stated that M/B only sold a 50/50 pre mix there so caveat emptor.

 

i put regular prestone in my 360. no problems.

 

Hmmm, maybe you overpaid....I mean, Mercedes Brand???

Any Ethylene Glycol based with extended life will be plenty good. This product is repackaged by slews of Stores, and is the same as all the rest for effectiveness.

Got Pets? Go with Propylene Glycol based. Buy Prestone/Fancy brands, and you are just wasting your money, frankly. Welcome to the world of private labelling!

 

I've been running running Mercedes fluid for almost ten years in my 348 and 20 yrs in a bunch of mercedes. The mechanic on the last major wantted to know what I was using because of how clean it was. There was also an article in the Mercedes club mag that even though prestone says that it is safe, not to use it in Mercedes. Anyway, that is my data point. And Mercedes fliud is not mixed with water. YMMV

Jeff Pintler
89 348tb, 86 tr

 

"Antifreeze is antifreeze, use any one you want."

This statement is not true. The major function of glycol is to prevent freezing and elevate the boiling point of the coolant system. When added to water the actual capacity to remove heat from your engine is lessened. There is a balance. You should not put coolant in your car haphazardly. You should follow the instructions on the label.

Other functions include the lubrication of the water pump and to preserve gaskets within the system. The formulations are different. Impurities are detrimental. "Cleaner" more purified products are better. The lubricating properties are concentration dependent. Using 100 percent antifreeze for example will cause accelerated wear of the water pump bearing.

Another function is to prevent corrosion. Once again the chemicals involved work best at certain concentrations. At the wrong concentration the resulting fluid may itself be corrosive.

Some containers of antifreeze show a range of concentrations that may be used. Others state only a single dilution rate. This is becoming more commonplace. If I remember correctly, that last stuff I used said to dilute to a 45 Percent concentration from the container. If you have to add to the system I usually put in more of the appropriately diluted product. I do not just add water or just add straight concentrated antifreeze. The ready to use containers aid in appropriate use of the products.

aehaas

 

You've done good. Sad that you had to teach the tech what to use. The Mercedes fluid is known as G-05 and has a 20+ year track record with MB. It's the right stuff for all aluminum engines. http://www.whitfieldoil.com/downloads/ZerexAntifreezeLineupChart.pdf

 

Hey, better to spend extra just in case....I mean, for that Mercedes stuff. Do you know what is in it? Why you are paying more for it? No?

Ask for a spec sheet on it, or certificate of conformance/analysis. Then compare it with the private label brand , and decide. Everyone is different. I have to be convinced their formulation is better based on fact. I guess, in absence of this, a non biased testing org's results would do, but you're still kinda in the dark.

And..... no kidding, one has to follow directions with proper dilution, etc. I mean, who would pour just straight , pure glycol into their radiator.

Water has a higher specific heat, as they call it, but , likewise, who would just pour pure water into their radiator. Sheeesh.

Dont pay silly for fancy brands without knowing why it costs more. Demand information.