nolen01

I have an 1997 E320. When I was stopped on a hill today, the temp gage needle almost went to 120C.When I started to drive, the needle came down above 80C where it usually stays with my AC on. I have not checked the antifreeze level because the car is still hot. If I need antifreeze, can I buy it at Pepboys or Autozone?If I can, what brand do you recommend?

TMAllison

You ought to use MB or Zerox G-05 only. Zerox produces MB's private label fluid in the US.

ohlord

M104 still has enough alum parts that you are safe using zerex GO5 at 50/50 water to antifreeze.
Check that your fan is operating properly and you don;t have any other issues besides low coolant. The stuff went someplace. You might want to have a pressure test done to find out where it went.
Good luck.

Hirnbeiss

I think the M104 cooling plan is like mine, where the mechanical (viscous) fan clutch will engage somewhat above 80C. My M113 goes to maybe 100F when idling in the FL sun, but not all the way to 120C, so I would suspect the fan clutch if you have enough coolant.

nolen01

I went to Napa and bought the Zerex G-05. I also noticed in the MB manual that the temp can rise in extreme traffic close to the 120C mark. I have had this car since 97 and never noticed this happening.
When I took the coulant cap off, the level looked like it was down. Is there a mark on the reservoir where the coulant should be up to? I have added 1/2 liter of 50/50 water and Zerex.I can't tell if this enough.

RichardM98

For the M112 -- Though not well documented there is a little plastic tab (about 1/2" sq) which jets out from the rear of the tank. It is located at about where the upper black and lower clear portions of the tank are joined. You can see it when looking straight down thru the fill opening. Cold level is at the surface of the tab but a little lower or higher shouldn't make much real difference. You'll have to check to see if your 97 has the same tank and tab.

Good luck.

nolen01

I found out today that the fan belt on my left auxiliary fan was broken. This is the reason the engine temp went up when I was stopped on a hill. Does anyone know how to replace the fan belt on the left auxiliary fan on a 1997 E320?

Hirnbeiss

I couldn't find anything in the shop manual on it so it should be straightforward

I still would suspect your main fan, because your car shouldn't be getting that hot (I had a 104 for several years in Alabama and Houston, and have had the M113 for 2 years in FL), and we know you had enough coolant (you could see some in the tank, there was no steam, and you didn't have a warning light). The viscous clutch should be engaging by 92C, and you should be able to hear a lot of whooshing noise then from the fan, which is plenty capable of keeping your car cool. Having one of 2 aux fans out, OTOH, I would be very surprised if that's the only culprit.

lynall

Viscous fan dead, ive had this on 2 mbs now wifes old e320 m104 and my e430 113 both same symptons starting to read higher than normal temps not to high but high enough to get me concerned enough to change the fan hub.

The aux fan belt is easy just remove the whole fan assembly shroud and all and the belt is an easy push and wiggle fit job.



Lynall

nolen01

How do you remove the auxiliary fan assembly shroud? Do you have to take the radiator off?

ohlord

IS A DIY ARTICLE ON www.peachparts.com
resource section diy articles for your m104.