Okay,

I reassembled the thermovalve. Seems the spring and two cylindrical brass(?) parts had popped out. Water now flows through the coil with no apparent leaks.

I am a bit concerned though, since I do not know how much pressure it will withstand once hot coolant is flowing again.

Would there be any harm in removing the guts (just the spring, really) of the thermovalve until I get a replacement?

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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

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Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black