Drain Flush Mercedes-Benz Coolant Antifreeze
Need to drain the engine coolant (antifreeze) of your Mercedes-Benz? Learn how to drain the engine coolant of your Mercedes-Benz by following the procedures below. These guidelines help drain the coolant on models such as C, E, S, CLS, CLK, ML, GL, R-class, etc.
What you will need
- Mercedes Engine Coolant
- Quantity: Approximately 2 Gallons.
- The recommended type is listed in your owner’s manual.
- Car Ramps
- Jack Stands
- Work Gloves
- Drain pan
- Screwdriver
Procedure
Follow this procedure to flush the Mercedes engine coolant or replace the radiator or water pump.
- Park the vehicle and allow it to cool down.

- Drive the vehicle up on ramps. Ensure the transmission is in the park and that the parking brakes are on.
- Support vehicle with jack stands.
- Pull the hood release under the dashboard and open the hood. Locate the coolant expansion tank in the engine bay. Remove the cap to release cooling system pressure.

- Remove the undercover right behind the front bumper.
It is held in place with several 8mm screws. You don’t need to remove the cover under the engine.

- Place a drain bucket below the radiator on the driver’s side.
- Unscrew the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator on the driver’s side.
The drain plug is easy to identify; on models such as the E-Class W210, it is red.
- Allow the engine coolant to drain for about 10 minutes.
- Tighten the drain plug after all the coolant has drained.
- Add the recommended Mercedes engine coolant from the coolant tank. If you mix coolant and water, ensure you use distilled water. Do not use tap water, as the chemicals found in drinking water can cause damage.
- Start the engine and let it reach operating temperature.
- Allow the engine to cool down, and check the engine coolant level. Add engine coolant if needed.
Notes
- Do not work on the cooling system if the engine is still hot.
- Use Mercedes-Benz-approved coolant.
- Mercedes engines also have an engine block drain located on the passenger side of the engine between the exhaust and engine mount. If you want to flush the system thoroughly, drain the coolant in the engine block.
We hope you find the Drain Flush Mercedes-Benz Coolant Antifreeze guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mercedes-Benz.
🔧 Stop paying the dealer for every warning light
Get dealer level diagnostics at home with the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner.
- ✔ Works with all makes and models, including most luxury brands
- ✔ Topology map view shows all vehicle modules on one screen for faster diagnostics
- ✔ Bi directional controls to test fans, pumps, actuators and more so you do not have to guess
- ✔ Special resets and calibrations such as ABS bleed, EPB service, battery registration and more
- ✔ Free lifetime updates with no recurring fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put water in the Mercedes-Benz cooling system?
It is not recommended to use tap water. Instead, you should use distilled water and engine coolant or a pre-mixed engine coolant.
What color is Mercedes-Benz coolant?
Typically, Mercedes engine coolant is either purple or blue. Because every Mercedes model and engine is different, we recommend you look up the correct engine coolant for your Mercedes-Benz in your owner’s manual.
How much does Mercedes charge for a coolant flush?
Parts cost around $90 – $130. Labor will cost around $50 to $100 if you go to a mechanic shop.




The drain plug is easy to identify; on models such as the E-Class W210, it is red.