Last year just before deploying to Qatar my transmission got noisy and began slipping due to glycol contamination from the known issue with the Valeo radiators. I asked here for advice when I confirmed the contamination at the dealership and was quoted over $6K to replace the transmission.

Member Ohlord recommended I investigate SilverStar transmission rebuilders out of Oklahoma. I ultimately purchased a rebuilt transmission and torque converter from them and had a local independent Mercedes tech install it. The transmission, torque converter and synthetic fluid cost me $2300 w/ shipping and came with a one-year warranty. I had the work done one month ago just before my return to the States and the transmission has performed flawlessly so far (I swapped the radiator for a Behr unit).

The dealership wanted $3500 for a rebuilt transmission, $1500 for a new torque converter and $20 per quart of fluid.

If you still have the Valeo radiator in your car, swap it for a Behr unit ASAP; they can be found new on eBay for around $150 and are an easy swap. If your transmission craps out, I can recommend SilverStar transmissions.

Much thanks to Ohlord for saving me a fat wad of cash with his recommendations (he also pointed me to the independent Mercedes tech I used).

how do you tell what radiator is in the car?

There's a thread; just search the W203 forum. Valeos have claw-like protrusions at the ends on the radiator (looks like metal claws), while Behrs have a "wavy" crimp that runs continuously along the ends.

thanx for the info. looks like mine is a behr!