mgummel

I just boght a 2003 C32 with 30,000 miles on it I have a concern of the glycol issue. The mfg of the car is according to the sticker located on the driver side door frame of 11/02. My first question is this. I am questioning the Valeo sticker on the drivers side there is the date code (I think it is a mfg date) of as it reads 03/09/06 after the Valeo name the first question is am I correct is it the date code? And if so than this is a non issue correct? The issue I have and could just be the way it is… when shifting at low speeds from first to second seams sluggish. However, when I stomp the pedal it shifts great. With both instances there is no hesitation or jerking at all I just feel that at slow speeds (drifting off from the light) it seems to be a bit sluggish. Am I just being overly concerned or do you have any advice to this matter.

gkstar

Watch the coolant level in the coolant reservoir (when engine is cold) and see if you have loss. That can confirm the potential problem you are suspecting. If you see no loss, it may be a good idea to change the transmission fluid anyway as some here suggested that as a precaution.

I have been twice at the dealer for coolant loss in the past two months and I have suggested glycol test both times and they keep doing other stuff with no success. Next time I will give them hell if they do not do it.

ScottW911

I believe the Glycol issue was a problem on the early 2002 C32, not the 03. A simple call to the dealership should let you know if your car falls under any of the TSB's.

mgummel

I made the call and they ran the VIN# there is no TSB's with anything to do with radiator fluid or radiator issues or transmissions issues.... Is this correct? From what I have read on this forum there is issues. Please give advise I just want to make sure I am not missing something that I can catch early on...

ScottW911

Here is a copy of the last TSB I know of. I heard from my dealership that this one was supersceded. Note the TSB is for C32's mfg'd before 9/03.

mgummel

That is the TSB that I have seen posted I guess I am confused of what to do. Any recommendations ??? If I look at he MFG date on radiator it looks like an 2006 make it also has the black plastic sides not the silver ones.

ScottW911

I still think you are good. The Valeos had a limited run of bad design units installed. The units were replaced with the Behrs and later with re-designed Valeos. Even if your unit was not built in 2006, you should have one of the good radiators. There are some threads on this forum describing the look of the bad units if you still do not feel secure about it. Narrow the advanced search to the C32/C55 thread only.
My C32 was an early run 02 and the dealer says my radiator is not one of the bad ones.

hkycoldrct

On the subject of the infamous Valero radiator, how many of you do-it-yourselfers changed out the radiator from Valero to the Behr radiator? Was is an easy swap out or is there more to it than meets the eye?

I have the Valero and contemplating changing out the radiator if its not too much a headache. Does anyone have the Behr OEM part number so I can ensure I get the correct radiator for an 02 C32? Thanks in advance for any advice.

jgsx

Well, it was my turn. My 2004's tranny started to shake a little, so I took 'er in. There was extreme glycol contamination. MB authorized a new radiator, torque converter, and tranny. I'm still covered by factory warranty.

amgmark

I would hesitate saying this only effected the 02's.. This type problem can happen on any C32.. as you can see from JGSX..

It's just more frequent on the 02's.

mgummel

JGSX could you elaborate on shakes a little?

jgsx

The drivetrain has a vibration in the 1500-3000rpm range. It was impossible to miss.

mgummel

Is it like a tire vibration felt in the steering wheel or is it like a shudder? All of my concern is between 1st and 2nd at low speed just barely pressing the gas the shift seems slow and laggy to me. I have only had the car for a week. I use to have a c320 and this car seems laggy or boggy between 1-2. I do not have a jerk in S or W mode. I just do not have any point of reference. I am just out of warranty and thinking or getting one but the dealer wants $3500 with a $200 deductible for a 100,000 3 year.....

jgsx

I couldn't feel it in the steering wheel. It was clear that it was the drivetrain. Do the test, it is worth it.

moorfan

The OEM behr part number is the same as the valeo, you just have to specify that you want the Behr version of the OEM radiator. Autohaus Arizona carries this radiator, along with other parts companies.

Regards,
Pete

jgsx

I just got the car back today. It is better than ever. It shifts like a champ now. The car has 25k miles btw.

mgummel

What did they do?

jgsx

Flush the lines and replace the radiator, torque converter, and transmission. $8900 to the warranty.

sales@eurocharged.com

Did you buy your car on eBay? That picture looks familiar.

blumber

When they replace the radiator, are they still using valeo?

Is it possible that it will contaminate again?

mgummel

Well we will see I am going to take mine in to the dealer tomorrow. Any advice on what to say to expedite this. I feel a shudder now and also I think the I/C pump has S%^& the bed. I cant hear my supercharger kick in

ScottW911

I should think not. The Valeo was redesigned back in 03.