Is it a "must" to use one of the two "specific" antifreeze/coolants in a 1988 190E Mercedes?

Question

The radiator, water pump and upper and lower hoses recently burst in my 1988 190E MB, with no warning, and I had it all replaced by a mechanic the next day. Upon the recommendation of my regular mechanic, I specifically asked the mechanic who worked on this problem to use one of the specific antifreeze/coolants "DNR" or "Xerex Gold", and he agreed to do that, but when he had to add "more" to it the next day (I hadn't driven it but a short distance the night before and it "ran hot" only one night after the work was done), I noticed that he was using a "green" one by Proline. I asked him why he was using that, and he said that it doesn't really make any difference whether you use the one he was using or one of the 2 specifically made for MB radiators. I was a bit intimidated, and I let him put the Proline in my car against my "better" judgement. The car ran hot again, and only after driving it approx. 1 mile. I called him today, and he said that the thermostat is sticking. What to do?

Answer 1

If they replaced all that and your car still runs hot you need to find a real MB tech. Yes it could be the thermostat but it also could be a head gasket. If you drove the car for any distance after the hoses broke you should have it looked at by a MB shop. Any shop that would do all that work and not replace the thermostat and use non MB coolant is not someone I would go back. You said you talked to your regular mechanic take it to him.
As far as the coolant goes MB says that because of the metal they use only the approved coolant will work, but the reason they say that is that the wrong coolant will not protect the system from corrosion not run hot.

Answer 2

Sorry to hear your Benz is giving you trouble. But how do the radiator, water pump and upper and lower hoses all burst at the same time? That's incredible. I think someone is taking advantage of you. Maybe a mechanic suggested to change them all to fix an overheating problem.
To answer your question, yes, I would use the factory coolant, at the water/coolant ratio recommended by the Owner's Manual, for the temperature where you live. The reason being longevity, and the appropriate oil pump lubricants the factory coolant contains. Also, it's believed that minerals and metals contained in the cooling system and the engine block will migrate (over the period of years) to and aftermarket coolant, creating holes in the block and head. The factory coolant has the correct composition, so the migration of minerals and metals won't occur. The thermostate replacement, as well as a cooling system flush should also be performed, with careful burping of the system. Check for leaks, and proper operation of auxilliary radiator fans. Hope this helps.