When does the radiator need to be replaced?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: New York, NY
2004 E500 4MATIC
When does the radiator need to be replaced?
Hi, although I have had no problems with the radiator that is currently in my car, I was told that given it's the original radiator and I've driven the car over 188K miles, I should replace the radiator. Doing so, I was told, may alleviate some of the heating issues that I've noticed especially in the summer months in stop and go traffic. And possibly help cool down my gearbox area which tends to heat up quite a bit.
In your opinions, should I replace the radiator? I have to have a new A/C condenser put in the car later this week and was told it would be more labor cost effective to do the two items at one time. However, I do not wish to change the radiator if I don't have to do so.
Thanks.
In your opinions, should I replace the radiator? I have to have a new A/C condenser put in the car later this week and was told it would be more labor cost effective to do the two items at one time. However, I do not wish to change the radiator if I don't have to do so.
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: LI, New York
87 190E 2.6/1995 M3
best advice: if the a/c condenser went south, the radiator is not far behind......happened to me, and at much lower mileage (102K)....for them to replace a/c condencer they have to drain the coolant, take out the radiator. labor should be the same as the rad. has to come out for the a/c condencer to go on.....you might also wanna replace the thermostat (depending on how long it's been in there)...and the 3 hoses (rad. and bypass) if they're weak, and take a look at the fan clutch....this is a golden opportunity to do a good coolong system overhaul, since all these components are gonna be exposed anyway!
