Whatever happens, you might also want to consider installing JimF's "cool harness":

http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_S500.html

Scroll down on the main page and you'll see a description of it. It basically "fools" the auxillary fan into turning on at a lower temperature and keeps it running longer.

Your car will run cooler.

Many of us on the board have installed it, including me and J
smith.

You can install it in one minute or less. Really.

If you can plug a cord into a socket, you can do it.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".