W203 reliability issues?

[jeremytaylor]

Don't worry too much. I'm on my second W203! Does yours have FMBSH?

Get you door edges checked - this was a recall for 02 W203s. The suspension bushes will go, just a 'maintenance item' I'm afraid.

Definitely check what make you rad is. If its a Valeo, change it for a Behr - £450-ish at a main dealer (cheaper at an indie). Either way, it's much cheaper than a new gearbox. A VIN-check should tell you your rad.

 

[1998K]

only to specify that not all the Valeo radiotor is affected by the problem, on mine I've a Valeo but I've the ATF cooler separated from the radiator.

You have to check where the 2 pipes coming out of the automatic transmission are going, if to the radiator and if it's a Valeo then you can have this kind of worry, or to a separated cooler in the upper part of the engine hidden by some other components

please check in this way