well, ive come to the terrible conclusion that i need to replace my radiator ('82 300sd). im looking in the parts section here, and im looking on the internet, but i see a wide range of prices. i know many have said that aftermarket radiators tend ot be better than the original behrs, but im wondering if folks have any recommendations, or good sourced for low price models.

for instance, i see this on ebay, but there are also more expensive ones, like this, here in the parts section. any reason i shouldnt go for the ebay one. i guess it does look like its plastic, rather than metal. im wondering what the shop will charge me for one. i know theyll mark it up. but how much labor could there possibly be to drop a new one in?

ps... i know its a long shot, but anyone in the boston area interested in helping a novice install a new radiator? free beer and entertaining stories provided by me!

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1982 300sd, 230,000 miles, svo/wvo conversion... yellow

http://www.jaymoschella.com

I had to replace my radiator too and I think the best is Nissens! This brand is made in Denmark and holds up really well in cold temps as well as high heat conditions like the Phoenix Arizona area! Lots of cooling fins and water jackets are slightly larger than originals and fits like the factory original! You shouldn't have trouble replacing this yourself, just get a Haynes Manual and you should be fine. Most Mercedes Benz owners I've met tend to be pretty independent and learning this skill won't hurt a bit!!

The only problem with the ebay one is that
there is now make mentioned, so no way
to verify quality.

Look here:
http://www.mercedesnewparts.com/epcvsoapimc.epc?cookieID=1WC167RXA1Z40TF5FA&drillid=8&subcatid=800996@@Water+Cooling&clientid=mercedesnewparts

$30-$40 cheaper than your second link.
Even cheaper here:
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/archsoftware/importedcarpartspfp/wizard.jsp?partner=pacific&year=1984&make=MB&model=300-TDT-001&category=G&part=Radiator&partnerSession=11e8327eb3a2bc239b3f76f8fe4ce461

The W123 617 is the same engine as your w126 617.

Louis.

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Not always the smartest but certainly not dumb?

I had the same dilemma last summer when my over flow hose broke at the rad.
Mind you I deal with a store here in Vancouver that sells only Mercedes Benz parts and I was able to get a brand new Nissens radiator for 250.00$ Canadian.There was absolutely no hassle putting it in.
He does carry the Behr model but it was over 400.00$
Shop around ....
Good luck
Dan,Vancouver Canada

I would buy this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NISSENS-RADIATOR-MERCEDES-300CD-300D-300SD-300TD_W0QQitemZ290061789378QQihZ019QQcategoryZ33602QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

thanks tangofox! i hadnt seen that one!

again, im pretty new to this, but i have a digital camera and tripod, so i plan on doing a fairly thorough pictorial on the replacement. that way, if it works, maybe itll be helpful to others. and, if it doesnt, people can look and tell me how, exactly, i killed my car.

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1982 300sd, 230,000 miles, svo/wvo conversion... yellow

http://www.jaymoschella.com

You will be surprised how easy it is. I suspect that I could have a radiator changed out in 20 minutes if I hustled. (The MB is so much easier than the typical domestic car.) It's a good time to replace your hoses if they need it, including the two to the transmission cooler.

That's exactly the same one I got from the same seller. It only took about five days to get it here. Installation is so simple. I did it with one hand while talking on my cellphone with the other.

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Seth

1984 300D 225K
1985 300D Donor body
1985 300D Turbo 165K. Totaled. Donor Engine. It runs!!!
1980 300SD 311K My New Baby.
1979 BMW 633csi 62K+++? Dead odo