tbilisi79

Well out of no where the temp message came up on my 08 s550. I noticed the fan wouldnt turn on even with AC on.
I let the car rest for an hour, disconnected the radiator fan plug, plugged it back in and it came on for a little while but then the message came on again and the fan stopped working.

Ordered a new fan, MB part as it comes with the shroud and controller. Figured change it all and be done.

I was wondering what this summer will bring. So far every summer has been a $2000 repair, but this time fun begun a bit early.

Anything difficult changing the fan? Looks like radiator hose is in a way?

JohnLane

221 S65 fan has coolant pipes bolted to it with annoyingly small fasteners you have to remove from underneath.
It doesn’t just jump out of there. You’ll see. Gravity helps going back in.

tbilisi79

Thanks. From what i gathered on youtube, radiator hose has to come off, and then two clips on top, one on each corner.
My radiator hose is weird, Called a water pipe. its a metal part that house connects to from bottom, then a small hose goes into it and then the rest of the metal shape goes into thermostat.

tbilisi79

Wow what a pain in the ***. Not the fan change, that was easy. But because I loosened the metal panel over the radiator and hood latches, I guess the hood latch came loose.
Next morning I wanted to see how everything is looking and found out driver side latch doesn't open. Took the wheel off, liner off. There is no way to get to that latch, just guess work.
I was lucky the cable didn't come off, just the mounting gromet that holds it in. Pulling and cursing and bleeding from my hand I got it to open.

These are the times I wonder why I sold my Lexus LS460 years ago, why I own 2 MB cars. Why I didnt get my masters in school.

Anyhow, hood opens now. Not sure if new fan solved the problem. Drive around a bit and car doesn't display overheating yellow message. Its only 55F today so lets see how things go.
Car max offered me $4000 for this car, unbelievable.

Let it be known. Owning an older MB is a HOBBY. A painful and expensive hobby. But not just an older MB. My sisters 2023 GLS450 is in the shop more often than my 99 SL or 08 S550. Only difference is hers is under warranty and she gets a loaner. But at least I dont have $1100 monthly payments.