I just replaced the radiator in the E300 and as much as it rubs me the wrong way to put inferior parts in the car, I went with a no-name ebay radiator. The OEM was $372.00 and the ebay part was $219 shipped.

I figured, for that amount of difference, I'll take a chance. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the radiator. It was well packaged, all the lugs and mounting points were at least as robust as the original as was the quality of the plastic. The hose necks even had aluminum inserts just like the original.

Believe me, as hard as it is to replace the radiator on that car, I looked it over VERY thoroughly - including a pressure test before installing it.

I guess the bottom line for you is the question of how you use the car - long trips or mostly close to home. Do you turn your loved ones loose in it? When my original radiator failed, it split down the side but I was able to loosen the cap and the lack of pressure kept the antifreeze contained until I got home so it's hard to say how a radiator is going to fail and how it will effect you at any given moment.

I'd say that if your radiator is all metal, you'd have even less to worry about quality wise.

On a final note, the Texas based ebay seller I dealt with was excellent - instant, polite responses to my questions and even posted more detailed pictures to make sure the part he was selling cas correct for my car.

__________________
-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250