When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a 2014 with 130k and need to replace the radiator because of a leak. I'm planning to go with OEM, but if anyone has recommendations based on their experience please let me know if there is any better or just as good alternative brands out there that I should consider. After recently replacing my tail light with Depot brand with bad fitment and moisture issues, I regret not going with OEM and don't want to make the same mistake again. I usually order from RockAuto but would like to know if there is a better place to buy from. Is there anything else I should replace along with the radiator for maintenance?
I would go with OE.
Once you have part number, you can google it for the best price.
I have really good experience with Husker. but now I see error on the site. 502 Bad Gateway (mbdirectparts.com)
I'm not sure what the difference is between the two and I'm inclined to get the cheaper one if it is a direct replacement for the original. Anyone knows which one to get?
They both are marked as MB brand, what can't be truth. Looks like shoddy advertisement to me, but would they confirm the cheaper is in fact MB-brand - I would go for it.
Check your car datacard, the expensive radiator is if you car is PZEV emission code 917, whatever that EXACTLY means in terms of component differences to regular car. PZEV: Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. PZEVs meet SULEV tailpipe emission standards, have zero evaporative emissions and a 15-year/150,000 mile warranty.
Just replaced the radiator in my E350 a month ago. I wasn't to happy that the original Valeo radiator began leaking with only 80K miles so didn't want to replace with the same brand. Bought a Denso radiator off of Rockauto for $150. Quality and fitment were identical to the original.
Fairly straight forward to replace. Hardest part was wrestling the radiator out through the top. Very tight squeeze.
Just replaced the radiator in my E350 a month ago. I wasn't to happy that the original Valeo radiator began leaking with only 80K miles so didn't want to replace with the same brand. Bought a Denso radiator off of Rockauto for $150. Quality and fitment were identical to the original.
Fairly straight forward to replace. Hardest part was wrestling the radiator out through the top. Very tight squeeze.
Check the coolant tank cap isn't preventing venting.
When the engine gets stopped, a lot of internal heat has no place to go but in the coolant that is not guaranteed to circulate through the radiator for cooling. As the coolant gets overheated the whole cooling circuit is then over pressurized.
Check the coolant tank cap isn't preventing venting.
When the engine gets stopped, a lot of internal heat has no place to go but in the coolant that is not guaranteed to circulate through the radiator for cooling. As the coolant gets overheated the whole cooling circuit is then over pressurized.
Interesting, just figured I had a bad quality radiator since it began leaking on the side crimped on section.
Cooling systems are are purposely pressurized to increase the boiling point of the coolant, but vent after about 15 psi. I suppose I would need to install a pressure gauge somewhere to see if it exceeds this pressure.
Is there any easy access point to check this pressure?
Interesting, just figured I had a bad quality radiator since it began leaking on the side crimped on section.
Cooling systems are are purposely pressurized to increase the boiling point of the coolant, but vent after about 15 psi. I suppose I would need to install a pressure gauge somewhere to see if it exceeds this pressure.
Is there any easy access point to check this pressure?
Yes, there is an easy access port.
During pressure testing the cap is replaced by the test equipment. This is a hand pump and a low pressure gauge.
The entire cooling system is thus pressure tested for leaks.... minus the cap itself.
Yes, there is an easy access port.
During pressure testing the cap is replaced by the test equipment. This is a hand pump and a low pressure gauge.
The entire cooling system is thus pressure tested for leaks.... minus the cap itself.
But in this case, it is the cap I need to test for its relief pressure threshold.
Maybe I can use the cooling system pressure tester by only pressurizing the coolant reservoir.
But in this case, it is the cap I need to test for its relief pressure threshold.
Maybe I can use the cooling system pressure tester by only pressurizing the coolant reservoir.
Also realize than you can easily over pressurize the cooling system during testing because the pressure relief cap is not in circuit during test...
There is a way of testing the cap itself. The tool cost more than a new vent cap....
The W212 cooling circuit topic is interesting to survey because it involves targeted maintenance. Here are my favorites:
super heated cylinders
software operated thermostat
variable speed radiator fan
Make friend with minor leaks... my perfectly new M276-NA was already leaking from factory. MB dealer was able to assure me everything was normal.
The coolant leak and oily smell are all included at no cost.
So I got used to free leaks instead of leak free.
These engines offer a lot of extreme heat to extract through the coolant circuit alone. This level of heat is associated with the leaking CPS cam sensors.
🤞
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Mar 9, 2024 at 03:08 PM.
Just replaced the radiator in my E350 a month ago. I wasn't to happy that the original Valeo radiator began leaking with only 80K miles so didn't want to replace with the same brand. Bought a Denso radiator off of Rockauto for $150. Quality and fitment were identical to the original.
Fairly straight forward to replace. Hardest part was wrestling the radiator out through the top. Very tight squeeze.
I've had good experience with Denso radiator on my other car. I'll look it up and will likely go with that.
Is there anything else I should replace as preventive maintenance with the radiator?...like any hoses, clamps, etc?
Also, do I need to refill with MB brand coolant or is there anything better out there with same specs that's a good alternate? How much coolant would it require?
IMHO replace all the basic stuff that has to be taken apart for the job. Hoses, O-rings, gaskets, clamps if they are really old. The kind of stuff ya dont want blowing out just after ya changed all the coolant for example.
FYI, the difference between the radiators is that the PZEV cars have a coating on the radiator that interacts with pollutants in the air to clean the air that passes through the radiator. Nifty! Except not so nifty - to ensure that ONLY a radiator with that coating it used, there is an extra sensor on the radiator that tells the cars computer that the right radiator is in there. Put the regular radiator in instead, and it will work just fine, but you will have a perpetual check engine light on. And of course, nobody makes aftermarket PZEV radiators for these cars (or in my case, a PZEV BMW that uses the same system), so hold onto your wallet, $800+ for the silly thing.
As a data point, I just finished changing the transmission fluid in my car and discovered a minor radiator leak at 88K miles. Sigh. German plastic, got to love it... Thankfully, my wagon is NOT a PZEV car, and a thank you to the couple of folks here who have reported that the $140 Denso radiator is just fine. I will be ordering one of those.
FYI, the difference between the radiators is that the PZEV cars have a coating on the radiator that interacts with pollutants in the air to clean the air that passes through the radiator. Nifty! Except not so nifty - to ensure that ONLY a radiator with that coating it used, there is an extra sensor on the radiator that tells the cars computer that the right radiator is in there. Put the regular radiator in instead, and it will work just fine, but you will have a perpetual check engine light on. And of course, nobody makes aftermarket PZEV radiators for these cars (or in my case, a PZEV BMW that uses the same system), so hold onto your wallet, $800+ for the silly thing.
As a data point, I just finished changing the transmission fluid in my car and discovered a minor radiator leak at 88K miles. Sigh. German plastic, got to love it... Thankfully, my wagon is NOT a PZEV car, and a thank you to the couple of folks here who have reported that the $140 Denso radiator is just fine. I will be ordering one of those.
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.
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.
Slideshow: From problematic air suspensions to early dual-clutch transmission issues, these specific models and years stand out as the least dependable modern Mercedes vehicles.
