hi guys

[moojii]

Hey y'all

My wife and I have just bought a 2003 clk 240 auto as our lease car is going back this week (Citroën ds3). Quite a different car!

We pick it up tomorrow.

It's silver, fsh, 8 months mot, 6 months tax, 6 months warranty and only 55k miles on the clock.

I have just read up on the valeo rad issue and will be looking what rad we have when we pick it up tomorrow.

We are excited and nervous in equal amounts.

 

[jotter22]

Welcome to the club no point being nervous its done now just enjoy it i have an October 2004 and i have not even looked at my rad why tempt fate?

Tony.

 

[moojii]

Welcome to the club no point being nervous its done now just enjoy it i have an October 2004 and i have not even looked at my rad why tempt fate?

Tony.

You're right Tony.

I always do this, buy a car, read forums, scare myself half to death.

And not once has those horror stories come true.

Just worked out that we have spent 11k over 3 years leasing the ds3! Wtf!

Could buy a clk every year for that.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Hello and welcome from me too.

It's quite possible that the rad has been changed if it did have a Valeo fitted as it has fsh, but it's wise to check and make sure. A replacement rad is much cheaper than a new gearbox + rad if it should fail. (Better safe than sorry).

This is a fundamental flaw with this make and model, on cars built from 2000-2004. The transmission fluid goes through a heat exchanger in the radiator that brings it up to engine temperature and keeps it regulated.
Anyone buying a Mercedes C, CLK or E of this vintage needs to check that the Valeo radiator has been replaced, or they could suffer problems that cost more to fix than the car is worth.

A posting from the US site, detailing the difference between Valeo and Behr rads. Hope this helps and fingers crossed. DIY:W203 radiator R&R - MBWorld.org Forums Scroll down to post number 21.

 

[moojii]

Thanks dude...

I'll have a double check. It's in good nick..no rust etc

 

[moojii]

 

[jotter22]

After reading up on the valeo issue it would appear if your build date is post sept 2003 it is not an issue! It seems to be a construction fault rather than a design fault.

Tony.

 

[moojii]

First registered on 1/5/03

 

[moojii]

Picked it up today.

Woohoo..love it. Silky smooth.

No problems so far. Ha.

 

[Dave Richardson]

Welcome to the family & glad to hear that you're enjoying your new found pride & joy

 

[moojii]

3 days in and still working as it should.

Had faster cars, bigger engined cars but never driven anything so silky smooth and planted.

Loving every second of it.