Noticed about a week ago my radiator was a little wet at the passenger side edge seam.. appears it started to corrode a little. Now today I see a 2" spot on the ground.. looks like it's time for a new radiator.

Few questions.. #1. can I take it to a local radiator place to be cleaned and repaired, if not, #2. Are all w210 radiators the same out of the same year, ie: E320, E420, etc. Wholesale is $400 on an aftermarket unit.

Five years ago I used a place called "Reseda Radiator" and got a great rebuilt unit at a fair price for a 123 300D.. appears they are no longer in business now.

Thanks!

Fastlane has them for $353.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
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2007 Tiara 3200

I'm going to try a "P.E. Haiges" here and get it done the cheapest possible way.

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1998 Mercedes Benz E 300 D Turbo
Part: Radiator
G1000-111625 Radiator Nissens IN STOCK $353.17

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1IR1ERHJ11IR1ESI0E&year=1998&make=MB&model=E-300DT-001&category=G&part=Radiator

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If the radiator fails = new engine time.

They have temperature guages for this very reason!

Where is it leaking? Didn't you show me? Isn't the leak by the top?

Stop leak sealed up the radiator in my dads F150. This was over a year ago and it is still not leaking.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Down the bottom, passenger side seam. Never trusted that "stop leak" stuff.. who knows what else it's clogging up in the process.

I've heard cayenne pepper is great for heater core leaks, I guess it might be worth a shot for a radiator.

John, I'm not sure if the radiator shops can be successful in attempting to reattach the plastic tanks to the core. However, even if they can do it, they would probably urge you to consider a new core for it. Then, you have old plastic tanks with a new core for probably half the price (or more??) of a new one.

I'm not sure the value is there. But, it's worth the question to one of the local shops.

I have run radiator durability testing.
The temperature gauge is useless in a catastrophic failure = engine gone before any possible reaction.

I am working upon a circuit = buzzer + fuel cut off solenoid to kill engine upon coolant loss.

These engines are not cheap to rebuild or replace.

Let me understand this.. you're saying once a radiator looses it's coolant, you will have absolutely no warning before the engine seizes over?

1. call your dealer for a quote on a replacement engine!
2. ONLY your eyes and intuitive senses are between you and horrible
things!(EYES on THE GUAGES!)
3. Even if you can find some fool who will try to re-attach the "Plastico"
tanks to the core::: the "Holding" mechanism is/are ALUMINUM tabs.
after so many HEAT/COOL cycles the ALUMINUM is weakened and
brittle....IT AIN"T GONNA HOLD!!!!
4. Either buy a replacement OEM type radiator....or go HOG WILD and
find a solid copper radiator and be done with the problem FOREVER!

Sorry whunter but i'm not following. Doesnt the radiator provide coolant for the engine. Thus a loss of all coolant would result in a high engine temp on the gauge. Does it have something to do with heat build up not being discharged once the engine stops because there is no coolant to absorbe it? Maybe i'm missing something so please explain.

Thanks,
Matt

Mine also has a "wetness" along the top seam that seems to come and go....sometimes I will check it and its moist along the seam on top, sometimes its dry....nothing ever drools out or onto the ground.....and it hasn't lost any coolant at all in the coolant tank...but when it is moist and I put it on my finger and rub it I can tell its definatley coolant. Later in the summer I will probably replace it, unless it fails before then

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When the harmonic balancer came apart on one of my old 240D's, it as less than 15 seconds from the alt light coming on, the gauge pegging, and massive quantities of steam.

It's your car. However, if it were me, I'd fork over the $353, and just fix it before you find out how quick your reflexes can be.