diesel-ed

Good evening, fellow MB enthusiasts!
My 1991 350SDL needs a radiator...the original Behr unit cracked at the top
Should I replace with a new unit (mucho dinero) OR where might I find a good quality salvage unit OR?
This car needs a 'back glass' also.
Any help would be appreciated...Thank You!
Diesel-ed

BADwayz

With things like radiators, personally I always replace with new. It is a crucial part of keeping your car in a cool running condition, why take a chance with that. Check multiple online venders for best pricing, I like AllMercedes.com myself.

As for back glass, call around glass places and salvage yards.

d2007k

id agree with the above post .. do more searching on prices .. i got my new radiator for 150.00 for my 88 300se .. just call everyone in the phone book and cross your fingers .. if you cant find one locally then internet away .. wouldnt skimp on a vital organ

Berde

Dido, to the above. You will be amazed at how economical an internet sourced part could be. Remember that these radiators are aluminum and composite, thus when they go bad, usually something similar in a salvage lot will be close to go bad. At the same time they could be hard to find since it is one of the first things going to crap in an accident. Check around and compare prices. Check www.autohause.com

DanielSL

www.autohausaz.com

C280 Sport

I agree with this. If you buy a used one lord knows what you could run into with it. Spend a little extra and get the new one. Good Luck

Snipe656

I replaced mine with a Nissens brand radiator a few months ago. I think I paid $250 online for it. It was a perfect fit, had zero issues with things lining up with it over the original one.

sdlcrazier

it's no brainer - for about $200, get a new so you will not need to worry about it.

diesel-ed

Thanks to ALL for your replies! Regrettably, the places I have checked said there was NO direct sub for the Behr radiator & the prices ranged from $308 - $485, not exactly a couple hundred bucks.
Will try to search for Nissens as that brand is unfamiliar to me. Was hoping to find an 'ALL metal' sub for the 350SDL & the Behr composite top is very fragile!
Thanks again everyone!

mdjhomes

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

sdlcrazier

you don' t have to use behr radiator, domestic ones are fine too. many years ago I replaced mine on my 300SD with a domestic one for $200 even, it worked just as good ever since.

yeahrightnc

This thread's getting a bit old now- but for anyone who might be looking - I just ordered a new radiator from Wizard Cooling (wizardcooling.com) for my 350SDL. Searched for a week for an OEM replacement or an aftermarket - they just don't seem to be out there anywhere. I contacted Wizard - the guy knows his stuff - it should be in production right now and hopefully shipping later this week/early next. Supposed to be an exact fit/match for the OEM setup, with the transmission cooler. Looking forward to getting it installed - I suspect the quality will be far superior than anything I might have run across online. Knew it wouldn't be cheap, but when you have no choice, you have no problem. Probably could've gotten one made for less - but Wizard is a known entity and I haven't read anything negative about them on any of the Mercedes forums.

Car is at the garage now - needed a new belt tensioner and a couple of other items looked at. They had to pull the original '91 radiator to figure out what was up with the belt tensioner - when then did, they found it was leaking from the lower tank. I suspected as much since I was putting in a bit of coolant every week during the summer, but couldn't find a leak - but I could smell coolant on really hot days.

Should know more in another week or so, but I suspect this new radiator will resolve the overheating issues I had over the summer - they have confirmed head gasket is fine; no other leaks. It was running hot during the summer - not dangerously hot, but every Mercedes diesel I have ever owned (4 of them) - the temp gauge goes to about 80 - 82C - this one did except in traffic or at higher speeds - then it would creep up to 95. Radiator wasn't able to pressurize and probably a bit clogged up, too, if I had to hazard a guess. Car only as 116K miles on it - 1 owner, but it sat for about ten years and was only driven about twice a month. I've had all service brought up to date - it was current as of 90K when I purchased it. Uses zero oil, doesn't leak any either. Couple of fuel leaks due to degraded o-rings but that's getting sorted out, too. The car is beautiful - looks brand new. I know this engine is a gamble - but the body and interior are in good enough shape I'd drop a new engine in it if I had to.

The only thing I haven't been able to sort out is a vibration/loud exhaust noise that seems to come from the left rear of the car at 1,800 to 2,000 RPMs. Doesn't do it in any other RPM range - turbo boost is good, seems quiet - no noise at any other speed. Only does it under load - if I hold RPMs at 1,900 while in park, all I get is normal engine noise. Exhaust system has been checked - no loose baffles, etc. - everything checks out fine. But under acceleration (or when driving ina 45mph zone), it makes me a little crazy. If anyone has any ideas, PM me.... Otherwise I gotta buy a better stereo system for it.