nickcc101
Active Member
Has any member replaced the rad on a W203 C180 2002 model and if so any problems to look out for ? I'm changing mine as rad has not been modified re ATF/coolant problem.
how to identify if the factory radiator could be affeced by this problem, is it enought to see the Valeo label on it or not?
television
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
It much cheaper to have a separate oil cooler fitted, and many firms do that. look on the net
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Sorry to deviate, but I had a glycol test done today and just received the results. Negative - all clear. I'll be thinking about new rad or oil cooler in the New Year.
jeremytaylor
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Sorry to sound dumb, but what problems are these? Does it affect all models/years?
Diesel Benz
MB Enthusiast
I know of early W211 (was it up to 9/2003) with Valeo radiators could have this issue but I did not know it appeared on other models too. Sure the part numbers must be different. Perhaps it is related to the manufacturing method/the construction of the radiator being the same on the different affected models?
A bit on topic: to replace the radiator, I would suggest asking for the workshop instructions. You should get them at least if you buy the part from a dealer.
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television
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
211, 203 and 209 all up to the 30-09-03 were the Glycol affected cars
nickcc101
Active Member
Coolant/glycol in ATF.
Problem seems to be Auto transmission oil being contaminated with coolant due to radiator internal transmission oil cooler failing allowing coolant to mix with auto transmission oil causing judder or vibration in torque convertor and eventual failure. As i dont fancy a bill of £1000 plus and my rad/cooler not having the white spot indicating already modified i am paying £127 for a rad, £70 for 7 litres of synthetic atf (mercedes) and £18 for a new gearbox filter and sump gasket (mercedes). I have already bought the gearbox dipstick £19 so believe it will be money well spent.
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Was the rad discounted? Very reasonable price.
television
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
I too was surprised at the price for that
nickcc101
Active Member
Rad from Northern radiators (web site) Brand new and next day delivery. Just the usual price.
Martin
Active Member
Have you done this rad replacement yet, how did it go as I am hoping to do / get done the same job asap on a 2001 C200K. If you paid a garage what was the approx labour/time charge? Thanks in advance.
television
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
This must be worth doing at that price, its like a cheap insurance policy
I needed almost 8 litres ATF after a complete drain on my 203. 7 was not enough to show correct reading on the dipstick.
For the G/box oil change, this is an easy DIY job as long as you have a set of car ramps, tools, parts, dipstick and dry weather.
For the rad change, I'm reading all of this and contemplating doing it. I checked the website for Nothern Radiators and the prices are lower than I expected. So thanks for that.
http://www.radiatorsonline.co.uk/prices.php?id=62786&model=C-CLASS%20W%20203%20(00-)&make=MERCEDES
Oil change, allow 2-3 hours for DIY if doing it on drive up ramps on the deck. It is not a rush job.
Cleanliness is mandatory when sump is off, ie. no wind or dust permisable.
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nickcc101
Active Member
No have not changed yet as weather turned cold and wet. Local indie quoted £300 to £350 includung rad as would not fit customer parts. When i drained the oil there was no sign of Glycol contamination and have just returned from 500 trip and gearbox was great with smooth changes and no loss of drive (problem i first experienced). The 7 litres of ATF was the volume quoted by Merc Exeter if you are able to fully drain the system, on my 2 litre W203 this is not possible and 4 litres has fully re-filled the box, torque converter and cooler. One major problem seems to be that when you change the rad you also have to disconnect the aircon, (info from indie).
gazz
Active Member
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I didn't have to disconnect the AC on my C32, and I can't see that it can be that much different to C180. I managed to do mine without removing the bumper either, but the C32 has a chargecooler attached to the lower front of the main rad which made it more difficult. Took about an hour and a half.
television
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
I cant see any aircon bits in the link on the rad
http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb1.as...&GM=716.620716.624716.633&CT=F&Cat=69V&SID=50
http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb1.as...&GM=716.620716.624716.633&CT=F&Cat=69V&SID=50
nickcc101
Active Member
Neither could i and looking at the aircon cooler it seems that the aircon does not need disconnecting. Maybe the indie was just trying to cover himself in case he had to disconnect or am i just being kind.
Martin
Active Member
When you change your rad (if you have not already thrown the old one) could you post some pics of the new and old rads out the car, especially if it is the dreaded Valeo or even a Behr so we can identify the End Tank crimping, etc shown in the TSBs.
Thanks Martin
See also my posts here:-
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=41764&page=3
