AMG GTC radiator guards

[Big Brin]

I have noticed that the ridiculously exposed front radiators are now, in later models, being protected with a guard. In the US it seems that someone has moved towards a legal argument that the open nature of them means they can get damaged and need replacing - which it is argued, is because the design is faulty. It seems US side, there is a recall to back fit guards over the openly exposed radiators. I am concerned that mine may become damaged. Does anyone know of a similar potential recall in UK, or at least an available solution which preferably can be installed without taking the front bumpers off?

regards Brin

 

[V6Matty]

I’ve not heard about any recall and UK very rarely gets anything like this anyway.
If I recall correctly @daveenty had something fitted to his 213 AMG, it looked factory but I can’t remember who fitted them for him now. Hopefully he’ll see this and let you know.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Sure Dave will see this soon and give the full story but Meantime https://www.zunsport.com/us/

 

[AMGeed]

https://forums.mbclub.co.uk/threads/w213-e63s-air-intakes-intercooler-radiator-protection.234350/

 

[Blobcat]

Porsche have been doing the same for years... I had to replace both AC condensers due to them corroding out at the bottom due to all the detritus building up at the bottom then corroding the aluminium radiator.

I took the bumper off, bought some 5mm stainless steel mesh, moulded it to the three openings, sprayed it black and fixed it in place. No issues since.

 

[Big Brin]

Thanks for the responses guys. Interesting reading. I did have the same issue on my Porsche 991.2 GTS. And same commentary from Porsche that they’d not warrant an engine failure in the Porsche (if in the unlikely event there was one) if radiators had had mesh grills installed. Interesting then that I saw a second hand GTS for sale at a main dealer once with grills installed. Seems like corporate b#ll$h1t from both manufacturers to me.

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks for the responses guys. Interesting reading. I did have the same issue on my Porsche 991.2 GTS. And same commentary from Porsche that they’d not warrant an engine failure in the Porsche (if in the unlikely event there was one) if radiators had had mesh grills installed. Interesting then that I saw a second hand GTS for sale at a main dealer once with grills installed. Seems like corporate b#ll$h1t from both manufacturers to me.

They’re worried about restricting the airflow, as I’m not canning it around the Middle East or Australia I don’t believe I’ll ever have the issues...

 

[John Laidlaw]

It is BS when you see the Affalterbach workshop with the F1 safety cars being serviced and some heavy duty meshes installed

 

[daveenty]

Bit late to the party but real life caught up with me...

As mentioned, I had Zunsport fit a set for me, in fact my W213 was the development mule for them. They're not currently doing grilles for the AMG GT though, according to an email I received back in September, they are actively looking for a test car to measure and plan a set on. This will necessitate the car being with them for a few hours for development and a bit less for fitting, though they will adequately compensate you for the inconvenience.

They are based in Cannock WS11 9UU and Peter Langston is the contact there.

 

[grayb]

They’re worried about restricting the airflow, as I’m not canning it around the Middle East or Australia I don’t believe I’ll ever have the issues...

I found it quite bizarre that Porsche outlaw the use of mesh grills in the lower models and then fit them as standard on our 997.2 GT3...

 

[rorywquin]

I have noticed that the ridiculously exposed front radiators are now, in later models, being protected with a guard. In the US it seems that someone has moved towards a legal argument that the open nature of them means they can get damaged and need replacing - which it is argued, is because the design is faulty. It seems US side, there is a recall to back fit guards over the openly exposed radiators. I am concerned that mine may become damaged. Does anyone know of a similar potential recall in UK, or at least an available solution which preferably can be installed without taking the front bumpers off?

regards Brin

I wish I had your problem.....

 

[Graveworm]

They are now retro fitting them to the E63 during servicing. No idea if this also applies to the GT.

 

[Big Brin]

Cheers. The Mercedes dealer told me this is a substantial job on the GTC......they have take the nose cone off

 

[Big Brin]

Just to update....Mercedes have confirmed that installation of guards are a ‘service measure’ (at least I think that’s what he said) and so my car is being booked in. Upon inspection Mercedes have said there ‘may be’ some evidence of damage to my radiators as there are gel deposits in two locations. They suggested that a leak caused by a stone chip may have ‘gelled up’....I don’t buy it as having looked at it myself the gel is like rock....anyway the point is that if the radiators are damaged, then I’ll be wanting Merc to replace them under warranty......retro fitting guards is an admission of a design ‘fault’.....we are discussing the issue presently....rgds Brin

 

[Big Brin]

Mercedes have agreed that the coolers can be replaced under warranty when they install the new guards. Unfortunately the guards are on back order....with no indication when they will be available. I am pleased with the outcome.

Rgds, Brin

 

[grayb]

Mercedes have agreed that the coolers can be replaced under warranty when they install the new guards. Unfortunately the guards are on back order....with no indication when they will be available. I am pleased with the outcome.

Rgds, Brin

More than Porsche have ever done, as far as I know. Congrats.

 

[mioba]

well done.

A rad leak will never gel up as there is too much pressure. it will only gel up is someone has put radweld or the like in