Took the plunge and bought a 2007 GL320 CDI for my wife. Purchased in Florida and trailered home last week. Extensive service records and was used by the wife of the owner of a European import repair shop. All biggies look to have been taken care of, recently at that (oil cooler seals, new turbo, airmatic suspension, etc.).

Has 200,000 miles, 2 owners, never left state of FL, clean title, in fantastic condition all the way around.

Wife told me yesterday that coolant message came on. I topped off with Zerex G05. Today, she ran to grocery store and when she returned, I smelled coolant, coolant message returned, and noticeable heavy leak from underneath.

Raised hood and inspected, no leaks I could see. Drove front of car on ramps and removed underbody shields. Saw coolant in several places-still couldn’t determine where coming from. Only thing I could determine was leak or was not coming from radiator or coolant reservoir.

Started car while on ramps, after a few seconds, a squeal started - sounded like it was coming from near the coolant reservoir (this was not a belt squeal, sounded like an electrical squeal if that makes sense). Tried unsuccessfully to attach pic of where noise was coming from. It sounded like it was coming from underneath the box where all the brake lines converge beside the coolant reservoir.

Leak became much heavier after car warmed back up to operating temp.

I am going to take it to an Indy when I return home (going out of town for work tomorrow, returning Wed) to diagnose only.

I plan on doing most/all work on this-besides things that need a lift.

I am used to the 602/603/606 engines, but looking at the 642 was intimidating to say the least. Sure I will get used to it.

Checked records and nothing about radiator or water pump being replaced in last 50,000 miles.

If water pump was on way out would these leaks be common (heavier at operating temp, leaks toward rear of engine, etc.

Thanks any insight.

__________________

2023 Ram 1500
1987 300TD
2002 ML 320
2001 Chevy Suburban
2006 S430 (gone and trying to forget)
1985 300TD (returned to father)
2007 GL320 CDI (sold to brother)
1995 E320 (sold)
1991 500SL (parted out)
1995 E300D (RIP)
1991 300D (RIP)
1995 E320 Wagon (sold)
1992 300TE (sold)
1988 300CE (sold)
1994 E320 (sold)
1995 E300D (sold)
1978 300D (RIP)
1987 260E (sold)
1992 400E (parted out)
1989 300E (parted out)