Valeo Radiator
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From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
Valeo Radiator
So, Thanks Ruedney I found out I have the dreaded Valeo Radiator - so I'm looking to order a new one - I found several brands online and finally tracked down a Behr brand - any reason to go with Behr over other brands like Nissens? Also, can someone give me a parts list and if possible part #'s?? Thanks in advance!
I have a 2003 CLK55 with a 02/2003 build date
I have a 2003 CLK55 with a 02/2003 build date
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I would go with Behr as that is the OEM brand and they seem to be mostly trouble-free. Other than the radiator and coolant, the only other thing you may need is some transmission fluid to replace what is lost. Here's the WIS doc:
http://benzbits.com/w203/Radiator.pdf
http://benzbits.com/w203/Radiator.pdf
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
I would go with Behr as that is the OEM brand and they seem to be mostly trouble-free. Other than the radiator and coolant, the only other thing you may need is some transmission fluid to replace what is lost. Here's the WIS doc:
http://benzbits.com/w203/Radiator.pdf
http://benzbits.com/w203/Radiator.pdf
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Hi
Sorry to bump this, as I did not want to start a new thread as there are many!
I recently bought a 2003 CLK500, knowing that the PO replaced the radiator back in 2008.
Now you would think Benz would put a BEHR in there, but I look under the hood and it is still a Valeo. It is part number RA 1409, and build date of 11/11/2007.
I am just curious if I am safe with this radiator, or should I go ahead and replace it? Transmission shifts fine, no jerking or anything like that... but I rather be safe than sorry. As a quick note, I am not a heavy driver at most I would put 3k miles a year.
Please let me know, thanks!
Sorry to bump this, as I did not want to start a new thread as there are many!
I recently bought a 2003 CLK500, knowing that the PO replaced the radiator back in 2008.
Now you would think Benz would put a BEHR in there, but I look under the hood and it is still a Valeo. It is part number RA 1409, and build date of 11/11/2007.
I am just curious if I am safe with this radiator, or should I go ahead and replace it? Transmission shifts fine, no jerking or anything like that... but I rather be safe than sorry. As a quick note, I am not a heavy driver at most I would put 3k miles a year.
Please let me know, thanks!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 567
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From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
Hi
Sorry to bump this, as I did not want to start a new thread as there are many!
I recently bought a 2003 CLK500, knowing that the PO replaced the radiator back in 2008.
Now you would think Benz would put a BEHR in there, but I look under the hood and it is still a Valeo. It is part number RA 1409, and build date of 11/11/2007.
I am just curious if I am safe with this radiator, or should I go ahead and replace it? Transmission shifts fine, no jerking or anything like that... but I rather be safe than sorry. As a quick note, I am not a heavy driver at most I would put 3k miles a year.
Please let me know, thanks!
Sorry to bump this, as I did not want to start a new thread as there are many!
I recently bought a 2003 CLK500, knowing that the PO replaced the radiator back in 2008.
Now you would think Benz would put a BEHR in there, but I look under the hood and it is still a Valeo. It is part number RA 1409, and build date of 11/11/2007.
I am just curious if I am safe with this radiator, or should I go ahead and replace it? Transmission shifts fine, no jerking or anything like that... but I rather be safe than sorry. As a quick note, I am not a heavy driver at most I would put 3k miles a year.
Please let me know, thanks!
I think you're fine as they fixed the issue in 2004 I think - although if it was me I wouldn't take a chance if you're planning on keeping it for a while ... how many miles since replaced?
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I am glad to hear that I am safe though. I just want to make sure I am ok to run on the Valeo radiator for a little while until I have the time to get it replaced.
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w215 - CL55 w/stage III
Its been about 50-60k since changed. Tranny fluid has also been flushed about 25k miles ago, and coolant also has been flushed recently (maybe 15k miles ago?, need to check service paperwork)
I am glad to hear that I am safe though. I just want to make sure I am ok to run on the Valeo radiator for a little while until I have the time to get it replaced.
I am glad to hear that I am safe though. I just want to make sure I am ok to run on the Valeo radiator for a little while until I have the time to get it replaced.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
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W209(sold), W212, X204
My 04 had a valeo radiator. I didn't want to take any chances so I just changed it out anyways. The radiator I got was a nissens. For some reason the invoice inside the nissens box says Behr. The part number also indicate it being a Behr as well. If you google Behr vs valeo vs nissens radiators, you'll probably find mixed reviews for all of them. Regardless, as long as it's not the valeo that's within the affected date ranges for our cars I'm happy haha...
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w215 - CL55 w/stage III
question for you ... I'm literally in the middle of replacing my radiator but cannot seem to figure out how to remove the top brace that sits right above the radiator ... what do I need to remove to get that off? bumper??
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 4
From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
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NO LONGER ACTIVE
There is really no special process for bleeding the coolant system. The proper cold level in the reservoir is right at the "crimp" edge. Leave the cap off, start the engine, run the cabin heater on high (so the valve opens and circulates coolant through the heater core). Continue to top off fluid until it begins to expand past the cold level, then replace the cap and you're good to go.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 4
From: somewhere in AZ
w215 - CL55 w/stage III
There is really no special process for bleeding the coolant system. The proper cold level in the reservoir is right at the "crimp" edge. Leave the cap off, start the engine, run the cabin heater on high (so the valve opens and circulates coolant through the heater core). Continue to top off fluid until it begins to expand past the cold level, then replace the cap and you're good to go.
