Maintaining your Mercedes-Benz requires attention to detail, and one crucial aspect is using the correct coolant. Recently, I encountered a situation with my 2015 GLA 250 4matic that highlighted the importance of Mercedes-Benz coolant specifications. It began with occasional low coolant warnings when parked on inclines, prompting me to investigate the proper coolant type for my vehicle.
My research led me to the official Mercedes-Benz coolant specification document, MB 310.1, available on their website. This document outlines coolant requirements based on the production date of your vehicle. According to MB 310.1, my GLA 250, manufactured in November 2014, should have been filled with the latest pink coolant, specification 326.6. To my surprise, upon checking, I discovered my car contained blue coolant, specification 326.0, a previous generation formula.
The blue coolant, 326.0, is designated for Mercedes-Benz vehicles produced up to April 2014. Vehicles manufactured after this date, like mine, should utilize the pink coolant, 326.6. The key difference lies in the composition: pink coolant 326.6 is formulated without borate and 2-ethylhexanoic acid, components found in the older blue coolant 326.0.
Seeking clarification, I contacted my local Mercedes-Benz dealership and reported this discrepancy. Interestingly, they acknowledged the issue and proceeded to flush out the blue coolant, replacing it with the correct pink coolant. However, they offered no explanation for why a car manufactured in November 2014 was initially filled with the older blue coolant at the factory or during a previous service. While the service manager promised to investigate, I have yet to receive any further information.
This experience underscores the importance of verifying the correct coolant for your Mercedes-Benz, and consulting the MB 310.1 document is highly recommended. Ensuring you use the specified coolant will contribute to the longevity and optimal performance of your Mercedes-Benz engine.
