Quick answer
Mercedes-Benz coolant: Mercedes approves coolants by MB sheet number. MB 325.0/326.0 apply to cars built up to April 2014, and MB 325.6/326.6 to all vehicles including later ones. Mercedes says not to mix specs. Check the approved-products list on its Operating Fluids site.
Key takeaways
- Mercedes-Benz coolant facts here are quoted from cited Mercedes-Benz documents or labelled as coolant-maker claims.
- 12 products list a Mercedes-Benz-family spec code. 9 more name Mercedes-Benz in their application text (guidance only).
- Your owner's manual decides. Specs vary by model, engine, market and year.
- Do not choose by colour.
- Independent; not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz.
What coolant does Mercedes-Benz use?
Mercedes-Benz coolant: Mercedes approves coolants by MB sheet number. MB 325.0/326.0 apply to cars built up to April 2014, and MB 325.6/326.6 to all vehicles including later ones. Mercedes says not to mix specs. Check the approved-products list on its Operating Fluids site.
- Mercedes-Benz publishes its approved coolants in its Operating Fluids specifications (BeVo). Sheet 310.1 covers coolants. [1]
- Per MB sheet 310.1 (we read a copy posted on an owners' forum, because Mercedes' own site needs JavaScript), MB 325.0 (concentrate) / 326.0 (ready-mix) apply to passenger cars built up to April 2014, while MB 325.6 / 326.6 can be used for all vehicles, including those from 2014 on. Mercedes-Benz says not to mix different MB coolant specifications. [2]
- The sheet calls for about 50% antifreeze and 50% water, with a maximum of 55% antifreeze. [2]
Numbers in brackets refer to the sources at the end of this page. Lines without a number summarise coolant makers' literature rather than an Mercedes-Benz document.
Mercedes-Benz spec codes listed by coolant makers
These Mercedes-Benz-family codes appear in the manufacturer data of the 12 products in our directory that list them. A code here means at least one coolant maker states its product meets it. Your manual tells you which code, if any, applies to your vehicle.
| Spec code | Products whose maker lists it |
|---|---|
| MB 325.0 | 3 |
| MB 325.6 | 3 |
| MB 325.3 | 3 |
| MB 325.5 | 3 |
| MB 326.6 | 2 |
| MB 326.0 | 1 |
| MB 326.5 | 1 |
Coolants that list a Mercedes-Benz spec (per their manufacturer)
Each row reads "meets [code] per [brand]". The wording ("approved", "meets or exceeds", "recommended") is quoted on the product page. Open it before you buy.
| Product | Brand | Chemistry | Colour | Form | Why it is listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACDelco DEX-COOL Extended Life Coolant (Australia/NZ) | ACDelco | OAT | Red | Concentrate | Lists MB 325.3 |
| Castrol Radicool NF | Castrol | not published | not published | Concentrate | Lists MB 325.3 |
| Castrol Radicool SF | Castrol | OAT | not published | Concentrate | Lists MB 325.3 |
| Castrol Radicool Si-OAT | Castrol | Si-OAT | not published | Concentrate | Lists MB 325.5 |
| Xstream G40 Antifreeze & Coolant Concentrate | Comma | Si-OAT | not published | Concentrate | Lists MB 325.6 |
| Xstream G40 Antifreeze & Coolant Ready Mixed | Comma | Si-OAT | not published | Premix 50/50 | Lists MB 326.6 |
| Xstream G48 Antifreeze & Coolant Concentrate | Comma | IAT | not published | Concentrate | Lists MB 325.0 |
| Prestone MAX All Vehicles Antifreeze + Coolant | Prestone | not published | Yellow | not published | Lists MB 325.0 |
| Prestone Platinum All Vehicles Antifreeze + Coolant | Prestone | not published | not published | Concentrate and Premix 50/50 | Lists MB 325.0 |
| Shell Coolant Longlife Plus Concentrate | Shell | Si-OAT | Pink | Concentrate | Lists MB 325.5, MB 325.6 |
| Shell Coolant Longlife Plus Ready to Use | Shell | Si-OAT | Pink | Premix (ready to use) | Lists MB 326.5, MB 326.6 |
| Zerex G40 Antifreeze Coolant | Zerex | not published | Pink | Concentrate | Lists MB 325.6, MB 325.5, MB 326.0 |
Coolants whose maker names Mercedes-Benz (guidance only)
These products do not list a Mercedes-Benz spec code, but their manufacturer's application text names Mercedes-Benz (for example "recommended for Toyota, Honda, Nissan…"). That is a weaker claim than a spec code. Treat it as guidance, check the exact wording, and follow your manual.
| Product | Brand | Chemistry | Colour | Form | Why it is listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobil Antifreeze Ultra (Concentrate) | Mobil | Si-OAT | Violet | Concentrate | Maker names Mercedes-Benz in its text |
| PEAK ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY Antifreeze + Coolant 50/50 Prediluted for European Vehicles - BLUE | PEAK | HOAT | Blue | Premix 50/50 | Maker names Mercedes-Benz in its text |
| PEAK ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY Antifreeze + Coolant 50/50 Prediluted for European Vehicles - VIOLET | PEAK | Si-OAT | Violet | Premix 50/50 | Maker names Mercedes-Benz in its text |
| PEAK ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY Concentrate Antifreeze + Coolant for European Vehicles - BLUE | PEAK | HOAT | Blue | Concentrate | Maker names Mercedes-Benz in its text |
| PEAK ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY Concentrate Antifreeze + Coolant for European Vehicles - VIOLET | PEAK | Si-OAT | Violet | Concentrate | Maker names Mercedes-Benz in its text |
| Prestone MAX European Vehicles (Blue) Antifreeze + Coolant | Prestone | not published | Blue | not published | Maker names Mercedes-Benz in its text |
| Prestone MAX European Vehicles (Violet) Antifreeze + Coolant | Prestone | not published | Violet | not published | Maker names Mercedes-Benz in its text |
| OEM Extended Life EURO I Antifreeze/Coolant | Recochem | HOAT | not published | Concentrate and Premix 50/50 | Maker names Mercedes-Benz in its text |
| Zerex G05 Antifreeze Coolant | Zerex | HOAT | not published | Concentrate | Maker names Mercedes-Benz in its text |
Not sure which coolant your car takes?
Find your coolant →Colour and chemistry
Among the 21 products on this page, the listed colours are Violet (4), Pink (3), Blue (3), Yellow (1), Red (1), and the listed chemistries are Si-OAT (8), HOAT (4), OAT (2), IAT (1). Colour is a dye chosen by each maker, so two coolants of the same colour can be chemically different, and the same chemistry can come in different colours. Match the spec or the named factory coolant, not the colour. See coolant colours explained and OAT vs HOAT vs IAT.
Topping up and mixing
If the reservoir is low, top up only with the coolant your manual specifies, and use the same premix or concentrate ratio. Mixing chemistries can reduce corrosion protection and shorten coolant life. Some makers (Mopar, Mercedes-Benz) explicitly say not to mix specs. If an unknown coolant has been added, a flush and refill is safer than topping up. Use the mixing checker and our coolant flush guide. Never open a hot radiator or reservoir cap.
Varies by model and year
Mercedes-Benz has changed coolant specs over the years, and a spec can differ by engine and market (for example North America vs Europe). Electric and hybrid models may use separate loops with their own fluids. This page does not tell you which code applies to your vehicle. Your owner's manual, the reservoir cap label or a dealer does.
When to see a mechanic
See a dealer or qualified mechanic if the coolant looks rusty, oily or sludgy, if the engine overheats or the coolant warning light comes on, or if you cannot identify the correct spec. See coolant warning light and coolant leaks.
Frequently asked questions
What coolant does Mercedes-Benz use?
Mercedes-Benz coolant: Mercedes approves coolants by MB sheet number. MB 325.0/326.0 apply to cars built up to April 2014, and MB 325.6/326.6 to all vehicles including later ones. Mercedes says not to mix specs. Check the approved-products list on its Operating Fluids site.
Which coolants meet Mercedes-Benz specs?
12 products in our directory list a Mercedes-Benz-family spec code, including Prestone MAX All Vehicles Antifreeze + Coolant, Prestone Platinum All Vehicles Antifreeze + Coolant, Xstream G40 Antifreeze & Coolant Concentrate, Xstream G40 Antifreeze & Coolant Ready Mixed. Each product page quotes the maker's wording.
Can I use a universal coolant in my Mercedes-Benz?
Only if your owner's manual allows it, or if the product's maker states it meets the exact spec your manual names. "Universal" or "all makes" wording is not the same as a listed Mercedes-Benz spec.
What colour is Mercedes-Benz coolant?
Colour varies by product and era and is not a spec. Products on this page are listed as Yellow, Red, Pink, Violet, Blue. Match the spec or named coolant instead.
Is Coolant.com affiliated with Mercedes-Benz?
No. Coolant.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Mercedes-Benz. We use the name only to say which vehicles a spec relates to.
New to cooling systems? Start with how a car cooling system works. Looking for a product? Search the coolant directory or match your manual's spec with Find my car coolant. See also coolant by car make and coolants by brand.