Cooling system question

[Daves W202]

Hi, I need to replace the coolant in my engine but how many litres does the system hold? Just so i can buy the correct amount of antifreeze. Also does the system need bleeding? If so how is this done. Car runs at about 82 degrees on the temp gauge is this to cold? 1997 c200 w202.

 

[wireman]

82 is OK, perhaps a shade low, I'd expect near 90.
The cooling system will hold 8 to 10 litres so ~4-5 litres of AF is required. at least 35% AF should be used, 50% is normal, don't put more than 55% AF in since it is not as good at shifting heat at higher concentrations than this.
It's your choice which AF you use, standard 2 year life or long life 5+ yr.
Flush it with water or if you want to use a proprietary cleaning agent.

Allowing the car to heat up without the rad cap should bleed any air out.

Its old enough to consider changing the thermostat while you are at it, they do fail open lowering the running temperature and increasing the warm up time.

 

[television]

The thermostat is rated at 87º C for your car so just slightly low

 

[anise]

My car displayed a coolant low warning, this morning, I drove a mile, stopped for half an hour, then when started again it did not show the warning message.

Should I go to a garage to get this checked, I thought it was a sealed unit, so wondering if there's another reason for this.

Anise