Is Pentosin G001200 the same as VW G12?

[wavinwayne]

As the title states, is Pentosin G001200 exactly the same coolant as genuine VW G12? Can I pour the Pentosin into my jug of G12 to make a full gallon?

 

[FowVay]

Pentosin does not make the claim that their LongLife anti-freeze is exactly the same as VW's G12. They do say that it is compatible with it.

I don't know if it's been mentioned here before (i'm sure it has) but Zerex makes the G12+, G12,and former G11 for VW and the blue BMW anti-freeze (G48, same as VW G11) for BMW cars, Mini cars and BMW motorcycles in North America. They produce it under authority from BASF in Europe which produces the Glysantin brand of coolants. And you know that they also make the Zerex G-05 for Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Chrysler.

I am a stickler for using OEM parts and chemicals so I suggest that you get your coolant from the dealership if possible. I don't believe you'd have any trouble using the Pentosin if you were to use it as a top-off. The Pentosin is a ethelyne glycol based, silicate, borate, nitrate, nitrite, amine, phosphate free, low silicon, carboxylate formula just like the VW coolant (OAT).

Just for technicalities, you actually want to find a coolant that meets VW's TL 744D specification. If this is mentioned on the Pentosin container then it's perfectly acceptable to use.

But to answer the original question: No, the Pentosin is not EXACTLY the same coolant as genuine VW G12 (now it's G12+).

 

[wavinwayne]

Considering that the Pentosin I have is made in Germany, could Pentosin be the supplier of G12 & G12+ coolants to European countries?

FWIW, checking the ingredients on the 2 bottles, the VW G12 & Pentosin G001200 are identical, as far as ingredients are concerned.

 

[moribundman]

Pentosin is an OEM supplier. Whether or not they do at this time supply VW I don not know and I doubt we can find out. Pentosin G001200 is absolutely compatible and interchangeable with the equivalent BASF or ZEREX product. I've been using Pentosin G12 for years.

Interestingly enough, if you care to go to the Pentosin website, they will list only one coolant: Pentosin Langzeitschutz (Long Term Protection) and it is according to the site compatible with all other coolants.

Pentosin

 

[FowVay]

I believe that BASF is the main OEM supplier of coolants to the German mfgrs. Pentosin does formulate and provide quite a few fluids to the OEMs but this is mainly in regards to the DSG gearboxes. Coolants aren't their strong point.

I would use the Pentosin coolant that you ordered without fear. Where I live the Pentosin coolant is quite a bit more expensive than the coolant from the dealership. I pay approx. $16 per gallon for VW G12+ and I see the Pentosin priced around $10.50 for 1.5 liters. Hopefully you got a better deal.

I am going to be doing a timing belt change on my Golf in the next few months and I'll be going through the same thing you're going through now. Mine is a diesel but otherwise very similar to your 1.8T with regard to complexity. This will be my third timing belt, second water pump, and first set of rollers so it's going to be pricey.

 

[FowVay]

Let me correct the price I pay for VW coolant. My last receipt was from November and the price was $18.79. That was for my lawn mower.

I've got it bad!!

 

[moribundman]

You've got a VW lawnmower?

 

[FowVay]

haha, nooo. I have a John Deere liquid cooled lawn mower. I just use the VW coolant in the engine. Haven't had any of the cooling system problems that the dealership says are common with the Kawasaki engine such as pump failure and radiator perforation.

I will admit that if VW made a diesel mower then you can bet I'd have one.

 

[wavinwayne]

Quote:

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You've got a VW lawnmower?

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Thanks for that mental image!

Now I'm going to have nightmares.

Imagine the He-ll that would be a VW lawnmower. Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!