So a few months back I replaced my 95 E300, she had lots and lots of miles on her. So I found a 99 with 148,000 miles on it and drove it home. In a few days I found it was in need of a new radiator and a fan, no big deal, right? Today I am installing the forth one, along with another fan and shroud, why would it keep eating radiators and fans you ask, as I did. It seems the bottom radiator support was pushed in, the way I found this out was to put a level on it, it was in at the bottom. Now I have that all pulled out and waiting for fed x, the radiator is level up and down now and I have more room from the fan too. Someone must have hit a curb with the car pushing the support in, if only I knew this in the first place I would have saved 1800 dollars and hours of work, thank god I do my own work! I share this for one reason and one one reason only. You or someone you know might be in the same boat, if so break out a small level the first time as this will save you time and money, I only wish I had..... PS I love this turbo diesel!

Yes BTDT on my 1998 E300

That is a flaw in the design of the 210. I did the same thing, pulled too far into a parking spot in my 210, heard a crunch, heard the sickening ‘tink tink tink’ sound, puff of steam.

Luckily happened a few miles from home, was able to get a tow and fixed it in the garage. Ended up using the scissors jack from a Honda to push the support back into the right orientation. It fits nicely in the space between the LCA and the radiator support and gives some nice gentle persuasion.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech