CLK 3.2 2003, A209 Radiator Issues

[Nickos]

Hi Guys,

I know that this has been discussed so many time on lots of forums, but I would like some advise.

I have just bought this car and I have been reading about the issues with the radiator and fluid leaking into the gearbox.

So my question is this.......my car has only done 67k the last owner hardly used the car and he hasn't had the radiator replaced, so with this in mind should I just change it out for another one, just in case or if it hasn't failed now, its not lightly too?

I call a Merc Specialist and he told me that they can fail at anytime regardless of age of car and even if I change it out there is no guarantee that it wouldn't fail later on in life, personally I think that I could change it and its just one thing off my mind as it seems to be a very expensive fix if it all goes wrong.

I have looked and a replacement Rad is only £94.32 for a EIS or £130.02 for a Hella. Not too bad I thought, so please any help would be good, as its now on my mind and I'm worried to drive the car just in case it all goes wrong!!

Cheers
Nick

 

[E55BOF]

Search this fub-forum for "Valeo radiator" - you will find lots of info, including a full description of the symptoms, and advice on whether you should get yours changed. Only (some of) the Valeo rads had the problem, so if you have a Behr you will not need to worry at all. HTH

 

[jotter22]

What year is your car?

 

[Nickos]

Ok thanks.

And

2003

 

[jotter22]

There is a thread on here that shows photographs of valeo and behr so you can tell the difference.

Tony.

 

[markmifsud]

I call a Merc Specialist and he told me that they can fail at anytime regardless of age of car and even if I change it out there is no guarantee that it wouldn't fail later on in life, personally I think that I could change it and its just one thing off my mind as it seems to be a very expensive fix if it all goes wrong.

Get yourself a new specialist.

It was a batch from a single maker that had the issue. if you do have the faulty rad and it is changed, then your no longer exposed to that fault.

Some more info here http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/2170539-post3.html