Hi,

My friend showed me today his 2005 CLK 320 with 56K miles (just past the warranty of 50K) and a major coolant leak. We found nothing wrong with the hoses. The coolant just runs down from under the water pump, not dropswise but in fine thread such as water from a slightly turned-on tap.

When we tried to start the engine, the water pump starts wobbling after a minute. Am I right in my guess that the water pump is broken? If yes what repair cost is he looking at? 1K?

I suggested to replace the water pump ourselves, but he is doubtful that can be done as a DIY job.

Any comments?

Thanks!

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

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1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

That waterpump isn't that bad or $$$ more like 500-600.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Thanks Doc!

the car is being towed to dealership today. I'm curios about the diagnosis and the cost estimate.

This 50K car should have a plate "Made in Kuridistan" and not "Manufactured in Germany", major s**t just after expiration of warranty despite being serviced from day one at dealership.

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

That is the thing about waterpumps...they just don't care how long thay are in service!

Some last months & others a lifetime!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

If you have been religious in servicing your car at the dealership, ask them if they can get the zone to "goodwill" or split the cost.

Thanks Peter for the tip.

I just passed it along to my friend.

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE