I was wondering if its a good idea to replace radiator hoses as a preventitive maintenance item or if you should just wait until they break.

Is there any good way to test the condition of said hoses? I have NO idea when mine were replaced, I know that they're at least 1.5 - 2 yrs old and likely more than that.

It seems like cheap maintenance to me as the upper/lower hose (on the 94 e320) come to less than $50...but I don't want to throw my money away

Thanks for the advice!!

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Hoses ought to be good for at least ten years. As long as they are still soft and supple, they should still be fine. One way to be sure they last is to buy a spare and keep it in your turnk.

Len

My only concern is that these may be original - the car is only 12 - 13 years old after all.



^ lol

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

it seems like modern day hoses last a long time.... i know i have been paranoid and replaced them at the 12-14 year mark on some cars...and they still seem fine.... sort of the same thing for belts....

it seems years ago (25-30 years) the stuff would only last 3 or 4 years..

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

A " tired " hose will normally show hairline cracks & bulge ( right behind the clamps ).
May as well do you coolant flush, if you're replacing the hose ( s ).

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2007 C 230 Sport.

I wouldn't wait until they break, they're cheap PM items. Also a good time to flush the system out and put in the proper coolant...

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

on the other hand, i have 20 plus year old benzes with original hoses going strong.

i never replace them til they start failing. they dont seem to fail catastrophicly.

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.

Thanks for the information. I did a coolant flush with the proper coolant just after purchasing the car. I think I'll get a roll of radiator hose patch tape and just carry that around until they fail - I'm guessing these hoses are original.

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Does the M104 have that stub hose between the water pump and the head? I'd hate to have the lackey at Moe's tire and bait attempt to replace that stub hose

Sixto

No said hose like the m103

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

The Mercedes-branded hoses are very durable, I'd say ten years is a reasonable estimate. Check the exteriors every so often for cracks or leaks and you should be fine.