i have a 2003 clk500, with 57k miles. I have read many stories of people with 2003 clk, and e class Mercedes have problems with cars equipped with Valeo radiators... i dont want to have to buy a new transmission, as these cars are known to leak coolant into the trans, and then you have to pay for a new tranny, torque converter, radiator ,etc. I want to do preventive maintenance as my car is no longer under warranty. Is there any way i can find out if i have the defective radiator made by valeo? if so i would want that replaced asap by a new one by behr to avoid transmission problems. thanks

 

bump

 

Hey,
read this thread https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...my-tranny.html

 

thanks man, whats the easiest way to find out what brand radiator i have in my car? i went to the dealership and they said they would have to take it out to tell me, there is no toher way. i see the 2 pics of valeo, and behr one his wavy crimping, the other doesnt.. but how do i get to see this part of the radiator???? thanks again

 

/\ I was worried about my clk55 as well. You need to look underneath the black plastic cover with the "Mobil1 recommend". Look from the engine's side. I found mine to be Valeo as well. I took it to the recommended MB independent shop in Socal (Mr.MB) and fortunately I don't have any leaks yet.

Anyhow, I would recommend take it to an MB repair shop and have them check the tranny oil... If it's still black you're ok. If it's milky white... your tranny oil has been contaminated...You will also notice that when you accelerate the tranny is tough getting in 2nd and 3rd gear.

If it hasn't been contaminated, go back and check every 3k miles. And if you see any milky white stuff...replace the radiator right away! This is what the mechanic told me to do.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the advice man i checked and i do have the Valeo radiator, im buying a Behr and have it swapped out, along with a complete transmission flush and service at an independent Mercedes workshop. i do not think its wise to wait for the radiator to leak into the transmission, i would rather take care of the problem now, for peace of mind.

cost is $200 for radiator + labor im assuming this should be $150-200 (how much should i paying for a radiator install anyway?)
Trans Flush and service $200... (sounds reasonable)

 

For LordPhoenix.

See PM

Contact Silverton Radiators. They are owned by Behr. The plant is in New Germany Natal. Silverton is based in JHB.

http://silvertonrads.co.za/