2011 thermostat different than previous years?
Is this just a case of 2011 being a cutoff year for manufacturing? any 5.5 application should work the same, correct???
thanks in advance.
It's literally the difference of 150-200 dollars, so I'm really trying to verify this. I may just get the cheaper part and if it doesn't fit, oh well, lesson learned. but I can't see a difference in design whatsoever on all these different part number designations.
my dillemma is that you can get an aftermarket part for around $30 that claims to fit s550s and even cls' up to 2010, etc, which all appear to be the exact same part, but cannot confirm a fit, even though I'm fairly certain it would fit.
The discrepancy seems to be in the third row of digits:
^^ this one for example is 272 200 05 15 (there are other examples with varying digits in the part number, and my guess this is to denote specific platforms, even though the part is interchangeable across platforms)
it also claims to fit a 2010 cls550 but no other year before or after. that just doesn't make sense does it?
Yes, I could spend 150-200 more on an oem part but if it's quite literally the same thing in a different package, why would I? I've had fairly good luck with aftermarket parts, and fairly bad luck with OEM stuff (mostly AC delco trash)
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Please advise as to the difference here. Thank you for your time
Don't know if you have the same motor or not but it looks the same, with that aluminum upper radiator hose running behind the oil filter housing that bolts to the thermostat instead of slip fit.
If you're replacing the thermostat, it's a good time to change the belt, belt tentioner, idler pully and oil cooler gasket. There is also an orange o-ring gasket where the upper rad hose bolts to the thermostat, don't have a part # off hand but it was $3 from the dealer. The thermostat doesn't come with it and would highly recommend changing it also.
If you don't replace the serp belt, remove it first or it'll get covered in coolant. The oil cooler gasket is simple and cheap but requires that upper aluminum coolant hose to be removed which is why its best to do them both.
I definitely will be removing the serpentine belt, as I need to verify which of the pulleys is making a scraping noise. My guess is the top idler pulley, but who knows. This the common culprit?
Oil cooler gasket from fcp euro Elring 2721840280 $5.79.
I believe FCP Euro is a board sponcer and may have discounts available. If not sign up for their emails, the usually through a coupon code out.
Rock auto is also a great source for parts cheap but unfortunately don't stock a thermostat.
I definitely will be removing the serpentine belt, as I need to verify which of the pulleys is making a scraping noise. My guess is the top idler pulley, but who knows. This the common culprit?
The alternator and a/c pulleys can go bad also but it's not as common on lower mileage vehicles. To eliminate them as a cause, have some sit in the car and cycle the ac on and off and listen to the ac compressor. For the alternate, you want turn on the ac/heat, blower fan, etc to put as much load on the alt as possible as listen if the noise changes.
Oh, BTW there are 2 idler pulls, one ribbed and the other is smooth. Rockauto had both in stock and the best price I could find. IIRC around $160 for the belt, tentioner and idler pulleys depending on brand.
Thanks to all for insight and advice.






