1996 E300D radiator support
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Rusk County, Texas
1996 E300D, 2005 E320 CDI
1996 E300D radiator support
I didn't do any good with a search, so here's what I have. The lower radiator support is folding back when I go through gutters in the street, like getting into a parking lot.
I went through a similar situation with a 1987 E300D, but I can't remember if new struts solved the problem. The '96 appears to have shocks instead of struts, so I don't know if renewing them is a potentially a solution.
The fan blades will cut the core/tank joint from the support moving so far up and inward, which either indicates poor engineering (unprotected sheet metal support) or a faulty something.
Anyone have a suggestion for a cure?
I went through a similar situation with a 1987 E300D, but I can't remember if new struts solved the problem. The '96 appears to have shocks instead of struts, so I don't know if renewing them is a potentially a solution.
The fan blades will cut the core/tank joint from the support moving so far up and inward, which either indicates poor engineering (unprotected sheet metal support) or a faulty something.
Anyone have a suggestion for a cure?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: the Netherlands
'01 W210 E320 CDI
I've never heard of this (prolly why you can't find any info) and what you are indicating almost sounds like the front bumper, headlights and all would be moving when you hit a bump or hole!? The fan blades can never be pressed against the radiator or surrounds unless something is seriously loose or broken off!
The radiator support is protected by the bumper and a shield under the bumper covering the front end. I suggest removing the front bumper. You won't be able to see anything without taking the bumper off...
The radiator support is protected by the bumper and a shield under the bumper covering the front end. I suggest removing the front bumper. You won't be able to see anything without taking the bumper off...
Last edited by Lancelot; Jun 9, 2011 at 01:55 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Rusk County, Texas
1996 E300D, 2005 E320 CDI
Maybe I wasn't too clear? The lower radiator support is welded to the frame and hangs down about 4 inches below the frame. There isn't anything I can see that will protect the support from dragging in low spots, like gutters leading into parking lots.
Here's a picture of the of the lower support with the three "fingers at the top edge being the area for welding to the frame.
Here's a picture of the of the lower support with the three "fingers at the top edge being the area for welding to the frame.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Rusk County, Texas
1996 E300D, 2005 E320 CDI
Being left to my own devices, I have decided the only solution may lie in new front struts to help keep the front end from dipping so low in the type situations I've described.
I'll have to straighten the radiator support and reweld it, but I'll just use a repaired radiator until I determine if I've solved the problem.
I'll have to straighten the radiator support and reweld it, but I'll just use a repaired radiator until I determine if I've solved the problem.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 7
From: Bowie MD
2017 GLE350 4MATIC, 2009 ML350 4matic, 2005 4maticWAGON (sold), A Pre-facelift W210(sold)
I suffered a hole in my radiator due to what was described here....
I hit a hole on the street and the radiator was pushed into the fan that put a hole into the radiator.
Now I have to replace the radiator. yucks!
I hit a hole on the street and the radiator was pushed into the fan that put a hole into the radiator.
Now I have to replace the radiator. yucks!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Rusk County, Texas
1996 E300D, 2005 E320 CDI
As an update, I did replace the shocks/struts and used JB Weld on the radiator where the fan had cut 12 tubes on an almost new radiator. The cooling has been normal with no leaks.
The lower radiator support was also straightened and screwed back to the frame where the spot welds had broken. So, it saved me from having to buy another $200 radiator.
The lower radiator support was also straightened and screwed back to the frame where the spot welds had broken. So, it saved me from having to buy another $200 radiator.
