Any aftermarket radiators to avoid?

Thinking Nissen or Velo… (~$200) not spending $700 on a Mercedes OE.

 

I installed the cheap one from the local auto parts store a few years ago and haven't had any problems. Do the water pump while you're at it.

 

For this application, Valeo is the OEM and Nissens is a reputable aftermarket option.

I wouldn't hesitate to run the latter.

 

Doing mine today. It looks like there is either a transmission line or some type of oil line going in and out of the right side of the radiator? My E55 is a 2006 model I thought only 2003 had the split
radiator?
I was done for the evening so I guess I'll figure it out tomorrow.

I am replacing the radiator with a Valeo.

 

Is your car set up that way with an oil cooler in the radiator or the new radiator has connections for the oil cooler while the car does not? If it is just the new radiator that has the connections for the oil lines while your car does not use them. They save money only making one design and using it on either car configuration.

 

I pulled the oil lines off the original radiator and oil came out. It's the original radiator and the new one I ordered was for a 2006 E55.Confused...

 

I checked pictures of Nissens, Mahle/Clevite and Valeo and they all show oil line connections. What brand did you buy?

 

Veleo. I thought the later cars didn't have the oil lines in the radiator but I guess I was mistaken? In any case I'm glad I am changing the radiator. I'll take a couple pics and post them.

 

Do you have one of these somewhere? My car is a 2003 and it runs through the radiator. The ECS part in the pictures for a 2006

 

It has one of those as well.

 

Each of the three lines I posted show the radiator is for model years 2003-2006. Using the oil (trans) oil connections on the radiator is completely optional by the user as they can simply not be used. As a reference, my CLS55 MY 06 and built in March 2006 has the oil cooler in the original radiator (just as the three aftermarket lines do) and also has the bar cooler as posted by @Fountain35 .

 

Odd that ECS calls it a transmission cooler. In past posts on this forum it is shown as an additional engine oil cooler in line with the larger square one in the passenger front fender. They added it sometime in 2004. My early 2004 doesn't have one. Here's a photo showing the lines attached.