I might have missed it, but did you say what kind of shape the hoses were in? Also, for my OM602 the only coolers available were OEM and ran between $300 and $400. Not sure whether you'll find the same for your engine, but I'd be willing to wager. And your description of it being a PITA is the feedback I got from the indy mechanic I worked with on the job. I think his words were "don't bring me another one of those for awhile"!

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'89 260e (212K Mi.), '92 400e (208K Mi.), '92 400e (not a misprint) (146K Mi.), '95 C220, '81 240D--Sold