350SDL radiator question
 

I am thinking of putting a new radiator in my 91. It has no leaks but the cooling fins are bashed in on about 20% of the area by the previous owner. I can find radiators for gas jobs with no problem. However, some sites claim that radiator is compatible others say it is not. I think from what I have heard the OE radiators were undersized in the first place, so I don't want to replace the OE with something that has less cooling capacity even if it will fit. Info requested. If the gas job radiator will not work, where do I find the correct radiator with out it costing an arm and a leg? Or maybe I should hire some kid to straighten out the existing fins with a dental pick? :D

I was under the impression that it NLA, apparently a misguided one. 1265002703 is the part number. Kind of disappointing that Pelican is selling the OE version for more than MSRP (other sites sell if for $100+ off msrp).

If the radiator is cooling fine, then I would:
leave it alone
or
spend an afternoon with a radiator across the arms of a lawn chair as I run a needle nose pliers down each bent fin.

They actually make radiator/condenser fin comb tool for just that purpose. Looks like a screwdriver, with a rotating head which has 5 or 6 different spacings to straighten the fins.

I was thinking that and wondering when vstech was going to school us all on the art of fin combing.

That P/N shows the following applications

300 SDL USA 86-87, 300 SE 88-91, 300 SE USA 88-91, 300 SEL 88-91, 300 SEL USA 88-91, 350 SD USA 91-91, 350 SDL USA 90-91, 420 SEL 86-91, 420 SEL USA 86-91, 500 SEL 84-85, 560 SEL 86-91, 560 SEL USA 86-91

I thought the gas rad wouldn't fit the diesel but I guess I too am misguided. If they will interchange then there are options out there that are not OEM and not $450.

Hopefully someone with actual experience can confirm or deny the fit.

The place I got my last radiator has them for $122.

I'd straighten the fins. The 350SD/L uses the same NLA radiator as the 300SDL.

-J

300SDL/OM603 Lower hose on right, upper hose on left.
560SEL/M117 Both hoses on right side.
300SE/M103 Both hoses on left side. (same as M104)

Different radiators

Is MSRP really $560 on these?

When mine goes south I will just have a custom one built for the same cost, like I am doing for my E23 BMW due to the same NLA reasons. Wizard Cooling in NY is doing the work.

No more plastic tanks and greater cooling capacity. :)

Yup, more than $500... if you can even find one.

-J

the story is the gas job radiator will not exchange. upper hose outlet in wrong place. Also the core is about 3/8" thicker on diesel radiator. so much for direct fit.

Looks like Wizard already makes it for the SDL.

mercedes performance custom aluminum radiator

All they have to do is move hose inlet and outlet to fit other chassis. Excellent.