Replacing the Valeo

mis3 · 03-12-2012, 04:35 PM

I am planning to replace my radiator on my 2004 CLK320 (150K miles, possibly Valeo).

MB part no is 203-500-05-03. I called my local parts store and for my car, they have Nissens radiator in stock. They can order the OE (Behr) but it will take 3-4 weeks. Also, the Behr is $25 more.

The part no. of Behr is 376-714-331. Is this the right Behr part no?

Anyone heard of this Nissens radiator?

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romansroad · 03-12-2012, 07:23 PM

Sorry, have not heard of them....but from what I now know on this issue, I'd spend the extra so you don't have to 1. do it again 2. have the downstream issues with coolant leak/transmission problem...just my .02

romansroad · 03-12-2012, 07:29 PM

On second thought.....the other benz forum seems to like them and they are made in Denmark...maybe better than the perhaps now outsourced Behr to India?

elijah · 03-12-2012, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mis3

I am planning to replace my radiator on my 2004 CLK320 (150K miles, possibly Valeo).

MB part no is 203-500-05-03. I called my local parts store and for my car, they have Nissens radiator in stock. They can order the OE (Behr) but it will take 3-4 weeks. Also, the Behr is $25 more.

The part no. of Behr is 376-714-331. Is this the right Behr part no?

Anyone heard of this Nissens radiator?

Where did you get that part n°??

Rudeney · 03-13-2012, 12:12 AM

Are you sure you have the Valeo? I thought by MY2004, they were gone. You might want to check this thread:

Visual identification fo Valeo vs. Behr Radiator

Glyn M Ruck · 03-13-2012, 08:11 AM

If you have a Behr - don't worry about it.

If you don't please fit the Behr. Don't mess with unknowns. It is not worth it.

Replacement Behr radiators are cheap.

mis3 · 03-13-2012, 09:26 AM

The Behr part number, 376-714-331, was given to me by the radiator store. He also gave me another number, 2337.

My car is a 2004 but the build date was JUly-2003. So, not sure which radiator I have. From looking at the diagram, it looks like the brand label is at the bottom (???). I will certainly check next time when my car is on the hoist.

My coolant system is working properly but since my car is 8 years old with 150K miles, is it time to replace the radiator? Is radiator something we have to change after a few years or after certain mileage? Of course, I would like to save the money and furthermore, there is always risks associated with each installation.

As for maintenance, I have replaced the coolant twice, once @62K miles and the 2nd time @135K miles. The 2nd time I replaced the coolant was because my water pump broke. They replaced the thermostat as well at the time.

I researched Nissen radiators last night. Nissen is also a reputable company and they still make their products in Denmark. Behr products are not made in Germary anymore!

Glyn M Ruck · 03-13-2012, 06:10 PM

If you buy a good reliable Behr in the US it is made in Behr's state if the art plant in SA. Built to supply the Benz & BMW plants here. Radiators do not require regular replacement if proper coolant is used & you are not in a highly corrosive area where fins rot off. The reason for changing Valeo radiators was coolant leaks into the transmission fluid cooler that destroyed many transmissions. If you have a Behr & your engine temp is normal I would leave well alone.

bheng · 03-13-2012, 07:30 PM

at the mileage that you are at, I would not worry about it. I am guessing you have a behr instead of valeo.

i had a valeo....and not very knowledgeable about this AND was a noob on this forum. but i found out the hard way. had to replace radiator, tranny, and hoses.

since then, no problems and that was about 50k mi ago.

mis3 · 03-13-2012, 10:11 PM

I took a flash light and went to check my radiator. With limited view from the top and the sides, I could not tell which rad I have.
I guess the manufacturer label is located at the bottom. I will have to raise the car and check from the bottom.
I will do this next time I visit my indie.

Rudeney · 03-13-2012, 11:03 PM

Forget the label - just look at the way the metal grid attaches to the plastic tank. If it's wavy looking like in Glyn's pic, it's the Behr. The Valeo uses folded-over tabs in a "tooth" pattern.

mis3 · 03-14-2012, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudeney

Forget the label - just look at the way the metal grid attaches to the plastic tank. If it's wavy looking like in Glyn's pic, it's the Behr. The Valeo uses folded-over tabs in a "tooth" pattern.

The plastic tank is in the bottom with the hose facing inside, right?
I have to raise the car to check from the bottom, right?

Sorry. It may sound trivial to some but I don't work on my car much.

Rudeney · 03-14-2012, 10:21 PM

You should be able to look down the (USA) driver's side of the radiator and see the crimps. You may even be able to see the label if it's a Behr.

mis3 · 03-15-2012, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudeney

You should be able to look down the (USA) driver's side of the radiator and see the crimps. You may even be able to see the label if it's a Behr.

OK. I will look tomorrow.
Hopefully I can see the crimps @ the side of the bottom of the radiator.

jbenz99 · 03-15-2012, 01:23 AM

Greeting ! .. so I have to replace my valeo radiator on my 2003 CLK 500 with 100,000 miles ? Reason I asked cause I heard and read there were problems with that brand ! But I don't have any overheating problems or coolant leaks of any kind ! Can I get some more feedback on this issue please ?Thank you

Glyn M Ruck · 03-15-2012, 05:53 AM

Not all Valeo radiators leak but the transmission cooler is in the base of the radiator & Valeo's were known to spring a leak from the engine coolant into the transmission fluid cooler part of the radiator. With the risk of a transmission failure being high as a result most swap out their Valeo radiators for Behr radiators which never suffer this problem.

elijah · 03-15-2012, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbenz99

Greeting ! .. so I have to replace my valeo radiator on my 2003 CLK 500 with 100,000 miles ? Reason I asked cause I heard and read there were problems with that brand ! But I don't have any overheating problems or coolant leaks of any kind ! Can I get some more feedback on this issue please ?Thank you

You rather be safe than sorry. I also have an 03 55, no overheating or leak issues but I am purchasing a new Behr. Member splinter helped me find the correct part number for my car, its A203 500 39 03. You will most probably need the same one. 214$ on parts.com

jbenz99 · 03-15-2012, 11:33 PM

OK thank you guys !!!!! I found this Behr Radiator on ebay what you guy think !! link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-W20...ht_1700wt_1270

Rudeney · 03-15-2012, 11:59 PM

FYI, the Valeo failure is really "interesting". It's actually just a bad o-ring where one of the inlets goes into the bottom tank. There was a guy over on benzworld in the W203 forum who took his out, dissected it and found the issue. I guess that o-ring could be replaced, but I think most people agree they'd rather just spend $250 on a new radiator as opposed to worrying about their $6K transmission.

elijah · 03-16-2012, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbenz99

OK thank you guys !!!!! I found this Behr Radiator on ebay what you guy think !! link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-W20...ht_1700wt_1270

It does say compatible with 2003 CLK 500 so go for it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudeney

FYI, the Valeo failure is really "interesting". It's actually just a bad o-ring where one of the inlets goes into the bottom tank. There was a guy over on benzworld in the W203 forum who took his out, dissected it and found the issue. I guess that o-ring could be replaced, but I think most people agree they'd rather just spend $250 on a new radiator as opposed to worrying about their $6K transmission.

You damn skippy I rather spend the 250$ for the peace of mind!

mis3 · 03-23-2012, 09:51 AM

I will go to the same indie for the 2nd transmisison service in 1-2 months so I can push more of the new ATF in my transmssion. I will check the radiator when the car is on the hoist and the covers are removed.

This indie is actually a Sprinter specialist. I noticed that Sprinter deployed 722.6 as well as the Valeo/Behr radiators. I hope that this guy is competent to replace my radiator if required.

discoduck · 03-24-2012, 07:42 AM

My rad is being replaced this weekend by a buddy of m ine.

Replacing it with another Valeo with part number A 203 500 42 09 if anyone is curious.

I couldn't get a BEHR in time and none of my local sources could grab one.

03-13-2012, 12:12 AM	#5
Rudeney MBworld Guru 2007 Mercedes-Benz W209 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 1,831 Drives: Current: 2002 C240, 2007 CLK550 Cabriolet, Previos: W163 ML320, W123 300D	Are you sure you have the Valeo? I thought by MY2004, they were gone. You might want to check this thread: Visual identification fo Valeo vs. Behr Radiator __________________ -- - RODNEY

03-13-2012, 08:11 AM	#6
Glyn M Ruck Super Moderator 1965 Jaguar 3.8 S Type Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa Posts: 15,849 Drives: late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires	If you have a Behr - don't worry about it. If you don't please fit the Behr. Don't mess with unknowns. It is not worth it. Replacement Behr radiators are cheap. __________________ Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa

03-13-2012, 09:26 AM	#7
mis3 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,133	The Behr part number, 376-714-331, was given to me by the radiator store. He also gave me another number, 2337. My car is a 2004 but the build date was JUly-2003. So, not sure which radiator I have. From looking at the diagram, it looks like the brand label is at the bottom (???). I will certainly check next time when my car is on the hoist. My coolant system is working properly but since my car is 8 years old with 150K miles, is it time to replace the radiator? Is radiator something we have to change after a few years or after certain mileage? Of course, I would like to save the money and furthermore, there is always risks associated with each installation. As for maintenance, I have replaced the coolant twice, once @62K miles and the 2nd time @135K miles. The 2nd time I replaced the coolant was because my water pump broke. They replaced the thermostat as well at the time. I researched Nissen radiators last night. Nissen is also a reputable company and they still make their products in Denmark. Behr products are not made in Germary anymore! Last edited by mis3; 03-13-2012 at 09:48 AM.

03-13-2012, 06:10 PM	#8
Glyn M Ruck Super Moderator 1965 Jaguar 3.8 S Type Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa Posts: 15,849 Drives: late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires	If you buy a good reliable Behr in the US it is made in Behr's state if the art plant in SA. Built to supply the Benz & BMW plants here. Radiators do not require regular replacement if proper coolant is used & you are not in a highly corrosive area where fins rot off. The reason for changing Valeo radiators was coolant leaks into the transmission fluid cooler that destroyed many transmissions. If you have a Behr & your engine temp is normal I would leave well alone. __________________ Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa

03-13-2012, 07:30 PM	#9
bheng MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SF Posts: 1,904 Drives: 2003 CLK 320	at the mileage that you are at, I would not worry about it. I am guessing you have a behr instead of valeo. i had a valeo....and not very knowledgeable about this AND was a noob on this forum. but i found out the hard way. had to replace radiator, tranny, and hoses. since then, no problems and that was about 50k mi ago. __________________ Current Mods: Audio/ICE: Pioneer Avic Z110bt/JL Audio C2 Components/JL Audio C2 Coaxials/ JL Audio 12w6 Subwoofer/ 12in Ported Box/ Alpine MRP M500/ Alpine MRP F300 Exterior:35% tint/ Brabus VI style wheels/ fishcake's bixenon/ Black 3 Slat Grille Interior: Hardwire Valentine V1/Air Spencer CX3 (currently citrus scent)/Brabus Shift Knob good luck charm Suspension: Vogtland Springs/Koni Adjustable Yellow Srut/Shock combo/C32 AMG brakes, Stoptech SS Brake Lines

03-12-2012, 07:23 PM	#2
romansroad Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 26 Drives: clk 350, Maserati GT, Porsche Cayman	Sorry, have not heard of them....but from what I now know on this issue, I'd spend the extra so you don't have to 1. do it again 2. have the downstream issues with coolant leak/transmission problem...just my .02

03-12-2012, 07:29 PM	#3
romansroad Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 26 Drives: clk 350, Maserati GT, Porsche Cayman	On second thought.....the other benz forum seems to like them and they are made in Denmark...maybe better than the perhaps now outsourced Behr to India?

03-13-2012, 10:11 PM	#10
mis3 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,133	I took a flash light and went to check my radiator. With limited view from the top and the sides, I could not tell which rad I have. I guess the manufacturer label is located at the bottom. I will have to raise the car and check from the bottom. I will do this next time I visit my indie. Last edited by mis3; 03-13-2012 at 10:13 PM.

03-13-2012, 11:03 PM	#11
Rudeney MBworld Guru 2007 Mercedes-Benz W209 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 1,831 Drives: Current: 2002 C240, 2007 CLK550 Cabriolet, Previos: W163 ML320, W123 300D	Forget the label - just look at the way the metal grid attaches to the plastic tank. If it's wavy looking like in Glyn's pic, it's the Behr. The Valeo uses folded-over tabs in a "tooth" pattern. __________________ -- - RODNEY

03-14-2012, 10:21 PM	#13
Rudeney MBworld Guru 2007 Mercedes-Benz W209 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 1,831 Drives: Current: 2002 C240, 2007 CLK550 Cabriolet, Previos: W163 ML320, W123 300D	You should be able to look down the (USA) driver's side of the radiator and see the crimps. You may even be able to see the label if it's a Behr. __________________ -- - RODNEY

03-15-2012, 01:23 AM	#15
jbenz99 Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: orlando Posts: 554 Drives: Sold 2003 CLK 500,2003 SL 500,2006 Acura MDX,1998 BMW M3 convertible	Greeting ! .. so I have to replace my valeo radiator on my 2003 CLK 500 with 100,000 miles ? Reason I asked cause I heard and read there were problems with that brand ! But I don't have any overheating problems or coolant leaks of any kind ! Can I get some more feedback on this issue please ?Thank you __________________

03-15-2012, 05:53 AM	#16
Glyn M Ruck Super Moderator 1965 Jaguar 3.8 S Type Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa Posts: 15,849 Drives: late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires	Not all Valeo radiators leak but the transmission cooler is in the base of the radiator & Valeo's were known to spring a leak from the engine coolant into the transmission fluid cooler part of the radiator. With the risk of a transmission failure being high as a result most swap out their Valeo radiators for Behr radiators which never suffer this problem. __________________ Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa

03-15-2012, 11:33 PM	#18
jbenz99 Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: orlando Posts: 554 Drives: Sold 2003 CLK 500,2003 SL 500,2006 Acura MDX,1998 BMW M3 convertible	OK thank you guys !!!!! I found this Behr Radiator on ebay what you guy think !! link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-W20...ht_1700wt_1270 __________________ Last edited by jbenz99; 03-15-2012 at 11:48 PM.

03-15-2012, 11:59 PM	#19
Rudeney MBworld Guru 2007 Mercedes-Benz W209 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 1,831 Drives: Current: 2002 C240, 2007 CLK550 Cabriolet, Previos: W163 ML320, W123 300D	FYI, the Valeo failure is really "interesting". It's actually just a bad o-ring where one of the inlets goes into the bottom tank. There was a guy over on benzworld in the W203 forum who took his out, dissected it and found the issue. I guess that o-ring could be replaced, but I think most people agree they'd rather just spend $250 on a new radiator as opposed to worrying about their $6K transmission. __________________ -- - RODNEY

03-23-2012, 09:51 AM	#21
mis3 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,133	I will go to the same indie for the 2nd transmisison service in 1-2 months so I can push more of the new ATF in my transmssion. I will check the radiator when the car is on the hoist and the covers are removed. This indie is actually a Sprinter specialist. I noticed that Sprinter deployed 722.6 as well as the Valeo/Behr radiators. I hope that this guy is competent to replace my radiator if required.

03-24-2012, 07:42 AM

03-24-2012, 07:42 AM	#22
discoduck Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 774 Drives: W209 55	My rad is being replaced this weekend by a buddy of m ine. Replacing it with another Valeo with part number A 203 500 42 09 if anyone is curious. I couldn't get a BEHR in time and none of my local sources could grab one. __________________ Dual Exhaust Conversion - 18" Mandrus Millenium - H&R Sport Springs - Rockford Fosgate P400-2 Rockford Fosgate P3 12" - Kenwood DNX7180 - 15% tint - Tinted Tails - Goodridge SS Brake Lines Gloss Black Vinyl Roof - Super Nintendo - Color Matched Sidemarkers - Carbon Creations Morello CF Grille Vorsteiner Black Widow Trunk Lip

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