Upgrade M103 radiator with M119 radiator?
 

Hi everbody
I wonder whether it would be easily possible to upgrade my 1992 300TE's radiator with a 1992 400E radiator. When looking at pictures of both parts they seem pretty similar.The mounting kits are even identical. So I wonder whether the larger radiator might just fit in like that?
Has anyone tried such a conversion, or can offer some insights?
May thanks and have a nice day!
Bruno

i would bet they will.

but just in case i would either find out for sure before ordering or get a cheap used 400e rad and check it for fit or order a new one with the understanding you could bring it back if it doesnt fit.

tom w

Why?

Your M103 engine should function just fine with the radiator designed for it.

What if this alledged upgrade ends up being a downgrade due to un-foreseen issues?

I would stick with the original specs.

Steve
'92 300E Sportline 243,000 miles radiator replace about 80K ago as a precaution.

The engine keeps getting 115 degree celsius in traffic with AC on, even at moderate 75 degree outside temperatures. This makes the car very sluggish due to the ignition timing retard. Also I am just getting kind of nervous with the engine so hot.
Viscous fan clutch is new, radiator is fairly new too, waterpump is new - that's why I came to the conclusion that the system may just be under-designed and benefit from a larger radiator.
Bruno

I don't think the radiator is that underdesigned. A properly functioning radiator and cooling system should not allow the coolant to reach 115C in the conditions that you describe. Is the electric cooling fan functioning properly?

I'm not 100% but I am under the impression that the 124 v8 cars had a different lower radiator support than the 6 cyl cars. I do know that the v8 radiator has the lower hose connection on the lower right corner and the 6 cyl radiators have the lower hose connection just below the upper connection on the left side. That will not be an easy obstacle to overcome.:rolleyes:

You might want to check the aux fan, the one in front, for proper operation.

http://mb.braingears.com/124_DISC1/Program/matrix.htm

or

http://mb.braingears.com/124_DISC2/Program/matrix.htm

yeah, i bet the aux fans are not functioning correctly.

my sec will go up to about 95 when sitting with the ac on. i looked the other day and only one of my fans is working. (aux.)

tom w

Thanks for your help.
I will defineately checking the aux fans before I am going to start any adventures such as radiator upgrade...
Have a nice day, Burno

If ALL of the cooling system componenets are in working order there's no need to "upgrade" anything. Follow the advice given by the other members. You should be able to leave your car running with the A/C on, parked in a black-top lot on a one-hundred degree day, and walk away from it without fear of over-heating.

You were right
 

it is the aux fans. They are not turning at all, but can be spun freely by hand. Fuse D is ok, as is the resistor at the headlight. When I short the coolant temperature sensor, the compressor disengages but the fans stay silent. Whatever I do, there is never any current going through fuse at position D.
I have to admit, I prefer mechancal issues to electrical ones... so how shall I proceed? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Kind regards, Bruno

Solved
 

I replaced the aux fan relais in the fuse box. Now the fans operate as they should.
Thanks for the hints, Bruno