MY 1999 E320 with 115K miles has developed a small coolant leak. I need to top it off about every 3-4 weeks. Finally took it into the shop, and guy says there is small crack in the radiator and hoses are brittle. Quotes $877 for the job. I see OEM radiator on Autohaus for ~ $200, plus maybe another $100 for hoses and misc parts.

What do the experts here think? Is $877 a fair price, or should I shop it around for a better price?

TIA

I've paid more - for less. If the shop buys the parts - factor in a 50 - 75% markup. If you bring in the parts - you won't get a parts and labor guarantee.

Not sure if this link will work or not:

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...=2172@Radiator

They show Behr OEM radiator for $200.

Another parts website shows radiators for as low as $123 (I've never heard of those brands)

http://www.theautopartsshop.com/auto...ator+1999.html

lol "Action Crash Parts" make sure you don't get that one.
price seems high to me. I have never done the Rad on my 210 but its cant be that hard. Hoses are only about $16 each.

Behr and Valeo were OE radiators. Valeos leaked coolant into the transmission thus assuring they wouldn't freeze up in the winter.
I would stick with Behr.

I just recently changed the radiator on my 2000-e 4matic.
The radiator is a nissens...made in Denmark. my indie mechanic told me it's
just as good as a behr or even better because the plastic hose outlets are
reinforced with copper tube on the inside..you can probably get one for about
$275.
Anyway the bill came out to $500.

Thanks for the data point. I've been reading up on Nissens vs Behr threads (there's a lot of them) and best I can tell they're both good quality parts. Seems to be cheap ones from far east that have a lot of problem reports.