C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Replace Radiator - DIY - Easy?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jul 20, 2006 | 05:09 PM
  #1  
Moxxon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Flint Gray E63
Replace Radiator - DIY - Easy?

I want to replace the radiator in my '03 C32 just to eliminate any possibility of the glycol problem happening in the future. Anybody replaced the radiator himself? How difficult is it? Thanks!
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2006 | 09:23 PM
  #2  
herkjerk's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Okinawa, Japan
'02 C32 AMG, '69 BMW 2002, MC-130H
Me too!

I am also interested in info on this
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2006 | 11:43 PM
  #3  
Bif powell's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 825
Likes: 3
2002 c32
Somewhere there is a thread about this very thing and a further discussion going into perhaps replacing it with a higher performing unit...use the search - I did, but my first guesses where wrong.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 02:54 AM
  #4  
JLee81's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 612
Likes: 2
From: Seoul, Korea
04 CLK55, IWC CLS55 AMG(one of 55), 07 Honda CR-V 4WD
I just inquired about making a custom high performance radiator.
I think as long as I measure the size of the Original, there should be no problem. Let's see what they say.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 01:24 PM
  #5  
Zeppelin's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 3
From: OC
C32
Originally Posted by JLee81
I just inquired about making a custom high performance radiator.
I think as long as I measure the size of the Original, there should be no problem. Let's see what they say.
What's wrong with the stock one? I have run this car in 110 degree heat at full throttle around a road course for hours on end. Overheating is nothing to worry about.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 02:08 PM
  #6  
Fifth Ring's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
Originally Posted by Zeppelin
What's wrong with the stock one? I have run this car in 110 degree heat at full throttle around a road course for hours on end. Overheating is nothing to worry about.
The reason to change is that the Valeo brand OEM radiator has a habit of leaking coolant into the transmission cooler lines, contaminating the transmission fluid. The fact that it works fine suggests that the smartest replacement is the OEM radiator that was NOT from Valeo.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 04:56 PM
  #7  
Bif powell's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 825
Likes: 3
2002 c32
Yah, but it's just the thought that if you're going to replace something on this car, it might be worth checking out to replace it with a higher performance part. For instance, I'm going to replace my intercooler soon so I'm looking into upgrading the entire intercooler system (besides the intercooler itself of course, just new pump, some hoses and air-exchanger) - I'm sure a stock intercooler would still do the trick.

Originally Posted by Fifth Ring
The reason to change is that the Valeo brand OEM radiator has a habit of leaking coolant into the transmission cooler lines, contaminating the transmission fluid. The fact that it works fine suggests that the smartest replacement is the OEM radiator that was NOT from Valeo.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 05:30 PM
  #8  
gaz's Avatar
gaz
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: .
C
I replaced mine recently. I did it without removing the front bumper, but to be honest, it would be easier if you did. The air con condensor is clipped into the rad, as is a smaller radiator in the very front which is clipped into the bottom of the main rad. Other than these bits, the job is fairly easy. The hoses are on 'quick fit' connectors which are simple to remove/refit. The only other advice I can give is to carefully top up the trans fluid afterwards as you will lose approx 250ml. I did not put enough in initially, and it provoked an ESP fault, which said 'transmission slipping - input/output speeds implausible' when scanner was connected. Topping up the fluid to level resolved fault. (you will need to buy the dipstick to check the level as the car does not come with one)

Hope this helps!!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 05:32 PM
  #9  
Zeppelin's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 3
From: OC
C32
Originally Posted by Fifth Ring
The reason to change is that the Valeo brand OEM radiator has a habit of leaking coolant into the transmission cooler lines, contaminating the transmission fluid. The fact that it works fine suggests that the smartest replacement is the OEM radiator that was NOT from Valeo.
Agreed, but these guys are changing the radiator out for no reason. An 03 does not have the Valeo.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 05:36 PM
  #10  
gaz's Avatar
gaz
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: .
C
Here in the UK the replacement part is still a Valeo unit, but the part changed in 09/2003. Mine had a date code of 07/2003, so I replaced it as a precaution. I was reassured by a friend at my local dealer that replacement was a wise idea, and that the later Valeo part was revised to resolve the coolant/trans fluid intermixing fault.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2006 | 12:12 AM
  #11  
bViC's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
2002 c32 /////amg
Originally Posted by gaz
I replaced mine recently. I did it without removing the front bumper, but to be honest, it would be easier if you did. The air con condensor is clipped into the rad, as is a smaller radiator in the very front which is clipped into the bottom of the main rad. Other than these bits, the job is fairly easy. The hoses are on 'quick fit' connectors which are simple to remove/refit. The only other advice I can give is to carefully top up the trans fluid afterwards as you will lose approx 250ml. I did not put enough in initially, and it provoked an ESP fault, which said 'transmission slipping - input/output speeds implausible' when scanner was connected. Topping up the fluid to level resolved fault. (you will need to buy the dipstick to check the level as the car does not come with one)

Hope this helps!!
where would you buy a transmission dip stick? and how would you install it? thanks
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2006 | 02:55 PM
  #12  
gaz's Avatar
gaz
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: .
C
Get the dipstick from your dealer part no.140 589 15 21/00 and you need some replacement clips for the dipstick plug, part no.140 991 00 55. The filler/dipstick tube is at the back on RH side of engine bay. You may find it easier to get to if you remove the RH air filter and rubber elbow. Twist off the red tag on the top and push the remainder through, and then you can remove the plug. Check the level with the engine running in neutral.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2006 | 04:55 PM
  #13  
Trekman's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area SF
Silver 2002 C32, Silver 2006 CLK 350
Originally Posted by gaz
Get the dipstick from your dealer part no.140 589 15 21/00 and you need some replacement clips for the dipstick plug, part no.140 991 00 55. The filler/dipstick tube is at the back on RH side of engine bay. You may find it easier to get to if you remove the RH air filter and rubber elbow. Twist off the red tag on the top and push the remainder through, and then you can remove the plug. Check the level with the engine running in neutral.

very good info
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 02:17 AM
  #14  
bViC's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
2002 c32 /////amg
Originally Posted by gaz
Get the dipstick from your dealer part no.140 589 15 21/00 and you need some replacement clips for the dipstick plug, part no.140 991 00 55. The filler/dipstick tube is at the back on RH side of engine bay. You may find it easier to get to if you remove the RH air filter and rubber elbow. Twist off the red tag on the top and push the remainder through, and then you can remove the plug. Check the level with the engine running in neutral.
thanks
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 03:38 AM
  #15  
deutscheramg's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 0
From: OCT 1st: DFW, TX
C230K, downgrade :(
tahtah trekman has the info!
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 03:39 AM
  #16  
deutscheramg's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 0
From: OCT 1st: DFW, TX
C230K, downgrade :(
dont ask what im doing, sorry, hope the radiator replacement goes over easily!
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 10:33 AM
  #17  
Trekman's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area SF
Silver 2002 C32, Silver 2006 CLK 350
Originally Posted by deutscheramg
tahtah trekman has the info!
dont know what you mean? I just said good info nothinng else
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2017 | 04:24 PM
  #18  
Noorbhadella's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
W203 c32 amg
C32 radiator replacement help

Hey all. Damaged my radiator on my c32 and needs a replacement. Just wondering if all w203 radiators are compatible or is the c32 one different? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2017 | 03:40 PM
  #19  
Oshkoshbigjosh's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 292
Likes: 19
From: Sunny CA
2005 S55 AMG Designo, (sold)2001 ML55 Designo, (sold)2004 C32 AMG, RIP 2005 Volvo s40 2.4i
Originally Posted by Noorbhadella
Hey all. Damaged my radiator on my c32 and needs a replacement. Just wondering if all w203 radiators are compatible or is the c32 one different? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks
if you go on pelicanparts and just search your car (year-trim) and click around till you find the radiator, you should be able to see the part number. Just copy paste that on eBay, amazon, google etc and compare prices. Good luck
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:27 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE