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Definitely pull the block drain also. It's on the passengers side of the engine block. As I recall it's easier to get to on the diesel than on any of the V engines, about as easy as a 104 in a 210.
Now that I'm writing this I can't look at your profile, it's about a '99, right?
This coolant flush is due every 3 years, i'd base whether to do it or not on the interval, not any particular problem, I don't really think it'll create problems if replaced on schedule.
OK, there's the thermostat, for one thing; who knows? Could be that.
On the earlier year 210's, and I believe even the 99 300 Diesels, there is this really strange (for an MB) system for the aux fans you should look at. What's weird is that there are dual fans, but only ONE fan motor. The motor, you can tell by looking, is on the drivers side. Along the perimeter of the fan hub there is a very thin belt which drives the right-side fan. So one thing you should do is spin the drivers side fan (by the front of the fan, which sticks through the fan grille) and see if the right fan also spins with it. If NOT, the belt has come off, or worse there is a problem with one of the fans.
That's a common problem.
Another fairly common problem is the fan controller being bad. You can idle the car for awhile and run the AC, and the fans should either run constantly or at least cycle on and off, so you can at least check that yourself, and if they never seem to run, you may want to seek "professional help". The fan controller is a few hundred bucks, so you don't want to just "try it" without a few tests. I could tell you how to jump B+ to the fan motor, then you can assume if the fans run strong when jumped that it MUST be the controller, but it's a gamble.
Also have had a few bad fan motors (which can lead to burned-out fan controllers, kind of a double-whammy).
Also of course the "outside" of the radiator or AC condenser could be plugged up with dirt/dust/leaves/etc. If the fan unit needs to be removed for repair or replacement, that's an excellent time to clean up the outside of the radiator and condenser.
Gilly
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