CLK-Class (W209) 2003 on: CLK 270 CDI, CLK 200K, CLK 200 CGI, CLK 240, CLK 320, CLK 350, CLK 500, CLK 550 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Water pump replacement on 2003 CLK 320

Old Sep 19, 2024 | 11:09 PM
  #1  
Nissrolet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
Water pump replacement on 2003 CLK 320

I'm just about to replace the water pump. Are there any pit falls or difficulties I'm likely to encounter such as air locks etc when putting her back together. All and any guidance will be greatly appreciated. Regards
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2024 | 04:36 AM
  #2  
rich1068's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 62
Likes: 17
W209 CLK 240
I need to replace the pump on my CLK 240 so watching this thread with interest.

I've watched roughly a million YT how to videos on the M112 water pump and it does look fairly straightforward. Major concerns seem to be making a note of which bolt goes back where and the risk of shearing the bolts when removing the pump.
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2024 | 07:07 AM
  #3  
Nissrolet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
I'm working on her now when I'm done I'll tell you everything I've learnt. It's 7pm now and about to start the disassembly. Probably finish the installation and testing tomorrow. If you can wait that long 😂
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2024 | 02:30 AM
  #4  
Nissrolet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
For rich 1068 Progress on my CLK 320 water pump replacement

Hi rich 1068
I tried to attach photos to help you but was unsuccessful. This is not a complicated job but it's very time consuming. However let's try and give pointers.
1. Can I suggest you check out a post /!thread from SwissKiss on 08.21.2019 at 11:57 am, it was most helpful.
2. It's not a complicated job but it's back breaking and time consuming.
3. Preparation was everything in this job, get everything you need before starting.
4 The absolutely most important item is that making of a cardboard cut out of the pump with holes to place each bolt removed in its correct place on the pump out line. I can't stress the importance of this enough,it's a life saver. Thankfully I took notice of SwissKiss's advice.
5. Use a tube to direct coolant from the radiator drain point ,as it comes out from the side of the valve
6. Wasn't prepared to strip all the shielding to gain access to the drain plug on the driver side of the engine block. So she held approximately 3 litres of old coolant. Takes 10 litres in total.
7. You can't rush the removal and reinstallation,so give yourself plenty of time.
8. Mine had the paper gasket, you'll have one or the other , someone mentioned using both , I would strongly advise against this.
8. To assist with positioning the new gasket I used a silicone RTV instant gasket lightly applied to both surfaces.
9. I tried a number of ways to align the pump back , with various combinations of bolts in place , all were hopeless. Just do your best to keep the gasket in place and offer the pump into position with no bolts . Then use the first small bolt to align the first gasket hole ,then go to the opposite end of the pump and do the same , slowly working your way round the pump until all are back in place.
10. As you offer up the pump into position , firstly slide the small oil cooling hose into place, then start positioning the bolts. Have this hose connected at the pump end and not the other way round.
11. Watch out for these
a . Remove the electrical connector located just above the top of the pump , to give clearance because the pump slips in behind it.
b. On reassembly be careful not to pinch the wiring harness that runs by the Alternator to the top of the engine.
c. There's an installation/ fixings plate with two bolt that go into the top of the pump. When you remove them this plate can fall down slightly and then you can't see one of the bolt fixings, and if like me you'll wonder why the pump isn't coming loose.
11. Check that your alternator bolt slides easily through the steel bush sleeve location hole in the new pump . Mine didn't, and only when I'd painstaking got it all back together did I find this problem, that required removal to drill a clearance hole. That was a really really painful thing to be forced to do. Mine was an After Market Pump absolutely identical in every way apart from that one hole diameter.
12. Remember your thread sealant, do each one as you replace as it can get messy .
Good luck , and hope this helps just a bit
Regards Nissrolet
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2024 | 05:17 AM
  #5  
rich1068's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 62
Likes: 17
W209 CLK 240
Excellent post @Nissrolet And I'll seek out that @SwissKiss post.

Now, off to buy some brave tablets....
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2024 | 08:17 AM
  #6  
Nissrolet's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
Honestly brave tables not required, a back support / brace would be useful though because you'll be bent over for hours in the most uncomfortable of positions 😂. I wish I could work out how to send you the pics that would have given some additional confidence. Using the attachment paperclip didn't work for me. Remember to buy sufficient coolant additive 5 litres of concentrate.
Reply

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

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:03 PM.

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