I just put a new radiator in the 240D and it made an impressive difference in the temperature. I was driving it in 80F temperatures the other day and noticed the temperature was pushing 100C at moderate speeds. I've been meaning to put a radiator in this thin since I bought it, it's never really run cool enough.

Anyway, with a new behr it's back down to 80-85C with the AC running. I was really surprised by the condition of the old one, the fins had basically degraded to the point that I could push my finger right through them. the radiator must have been original.

Glad to hear it. I recently replaced mine - the old one was so clogged it felt twice as heavy as the new one. On top of that it was running 100C + at intermediate speeds. When I removed the cap, I could see white deposits all over inside the rad. Since I dropped the new one in last week, I've been running at about 90C with A/C - mind you this is in temps of about 95F - 100F and tropical humidity. I do doubt the temperature sender though, as it's 30 yrs old.

They last a long time......but not forever!

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I was glad I replaced it because I'm planning on taking that car to TX next week, I don't think it would have handled TX weather.

Over time, no matter how well you maintain your car, electro deposition of the minerals in the coolant and water (good reason to use distilled only) forms a ceramic layer on the inside of the radiator. Less heat transfer, more rust in the block... a vicious cycle. It does not take much to keep the heat in.

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1987 300D (230,000 mi on a #14 head-watching the temp gauge and keeping the ghost in the machine)
Raleigh NC - Home of deep fried sushi!

Especially since this car had old green junk in it when I bought it. I tried flushes, but it didn't make much difference.