E320 CDI Thermostat and other things.

[andyturner]

My E320 CDI seems to be running cool in the cold weather. I drive 15 miles to work over the moors and the engine only reaches between 65 and 70 degrees. I suspect I need a new thermostat but I am also told that they run cool anyway and that is why they need a supplementary diesel fired heater (switch in ashtray). Anyway, I thought I would change the thermostat since a thermostat only costs £6 from GSF for all E class except CDIs. I have since found out that the E320 CDI thermostat is only available from the main dealer at £37+VAT. and guess what? there are none in stock. I have bought 3 parts from my car since I bought it a year ago, all had to be bought from the dealer, all had to be ordered.
Has anyone had a similar experience with the thermostat. And does anyone know what it is about the E320 CDI that means all the usual independent parts people don't stock parts, and why don't the main dealers stock items such as thermostats, abs sensors, tail lights, and why is it they take half an hour to get the part from the store room to the counter, and why does it take 10 minutes on the phone to check availability etc, etc. Does anyone know of any independents that can get the parts I have mentioned? OK so you get greeted by a nice girl in a short skirt at MB but I would prefer an ugly bloke and the parts today at a reasonable price.
And does anyone want to buy a yr 2000 E320 CDI saloon with a brand new thermostat?

Andy

 

[DieselE]

If you search the forum using "thermostat" as a key word, I'm sure you'll find the threads that have run on this topic.

Normal operating temperature for a 320CDI is 80-85 degrees. Mind you in very cold weather it can take a good 10-12 miles to warm up.

 

[andyturner]

E320 CDI thermostat

I ran the car today with foil over the radiator and it reached 80+ instead of 60ish so it must mean I will need a new thermostat. Has anyone ever fitted one on a 320CDI, I reckon MB would charge £150+ to do the job.

 

[Dunhamkid]

Easy to do but watch out for the bypass pipe, it can drop down when you remove thermostat housing. Might be an idea to get a new one as there are seals each end, I think from memory