W124 Radiator

[rrgrassi]

Guys,

Does anyone know of an all aluminum drop in radiator? I do not need one currently. An all metal one would be better than the plastic and aluminum in my opinion.

I was curious, as I bought an all aluminum radiator for an old two cylinder diesel tractor that I have, as the brass one was plugged up. I just had to modify the mounting a bit and use a different upper hose.

Thanks!

[Usaguy]

If you're looking for one then make sure that it has:

-Proper trans cooler fittings and that they are in the right place.
-A vent port on top.
-Proper size and placement of the coolant hose fittings.
-you will have to modify the fan shroud to fit if you're running a stock fan clutch.
-Does it have the tabs in the bottom to install it into the core support?

As you see there's a lot of stuff that can go wrong when buying one.

A new plastic/aluminum BEHR or Nissens radiator is still best in my opinion. Unless it's unavailable

[t walgamuth]

I'd stick with the factory original plastic tanks. If a good brand like Behr it will probably never give you any trouble for decades.

[rrgrassi]

On my w123, I have had the plastics break. I have never fully trusted plastic and aluminum radiators.

Currently, I am not having issues. PO had the radiator replaced with an OEM MB marked one.

[Usaguy]

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

On my w123, I have had the plastics break. I have never fully trusted plastic and aluminum radiators.

Currently, I am not having issues. PO had the radiator replaced with an OEM MB marked one.

That's why they should be replaced every 10 years.

I've seen cracks start to appear around that time frame.

In 10 years there's a good chance you won't even be driving it for whatever reason.

And if you do then buying a new radiator every 10 years is actually not that bad.

[rrgrassi]

I have always hated the plastic tanked radiators. No re-coring those.

[87tdwagen]

FWIW, the plastic end caps are available, or at least were a few years back for replacement. The replacement end caps come with the updated metal collar insert in the inlet/outlet ports. Last Time I checked, they were in the $20 each range. If your core is otherwise good and you are suffering from stress crack in the plastic, this may be another route open for you to take. The end caps separate easily for replacement.

[speednjay]

W124 radiators are cheap and very easy to replace. I agree with above and just replace at 10 years as preventative maintenance. I’ve had the plastic bits crack apart but they were also the original parts

[optimusprime]

My idea was to buy a cheap ,even second hand 124 radiator . And then to fit a small stand alone oil cooler in front of the original radiator to cood down the auto box fluid . This way your coolant wont get in to the auto box.

[filp]

Originally Posted by christuna

That's why they should be replaced every 10 years.

I've seen cracks start to appear around that time frame.

In 10 years there's a good chance you won't even be driving it for whatever reason.

And if you do then buying a new radiator every 10 years is actually not that bad.

Yes, they cost around $130. For 124 usually you can interchange the radiator between models, paying attention if it has the nipple on top of it for air lock prevention.

[Murkybenz]

Keep your engine mounts in good order and change the top radiator hose when the rubber starts going stiff because it is the combination of these two items that push and pull on the radiator eventually causing it to either crack under the top hose connection or the plastic sides to loosen up

[rrgrassi]

I do understand that the plastic way is hear to stay. Just never liked it.

[rayhennig]

Originally Posted by speednjay

W124 radiators are cheap and very easy to replace. I agree with above and just replace at 10 years as preventative maintenance. I’ve had the plastic bits crack apart but they were also the original parts

The radiator for my 124 is 750€ from MB. Cheap?

RayH

[rrgrassi]

Originally Posted by rayhennig

The radiator for my 124 is 750€ from MB. Cheap?

RayH

I ended up having to replace the radiator in Dec 2022. AutoZoo wanted $400 for a Nissens. I bought one from FCP Euro, Nissens for $250. Free shipping.