valeo problem

[baggio333]

Hello, I have been looking to possibly purchase a c270 cdi avantgarde and have seen a few posts about the valeo radiator problem. Could anyone supply pics or describe where exactly I should and what I should be looking for when next having a look at this car

cheers in advance

 

[television]

The rad will either have a Behr name plate that is OK or if it is a valeo modified rad it will have a white circle sticker on the oil cooler

I will try and find a picture

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

on road test accelerate gently at 20-30 mph to 50 at around 1500-2500 rpm and listen and feel for any vibrations or shuddering through the car.

If it is bad like a cattle grid walk away.

 

[baggio333]

An update on the situation. I have been up and had another look at the car and all the electrics seemed to work fine.
Unfortunately, it does have a valeo radiator and the oil cooler, which I assume was sitting on the front left hand side of the radiator behind the radiator grill, didn't have a noticeable white circular sticker.
I took it out for another short test drive and kept it between 1,500 and 2,000 revs between 25mph to 50mph. The car didn't seem to run very differently and there was no lurching but then I am not used to driving Mercedes Benz or diesels for that matter. I did think about taking out the garages extended warranty which the salesman said would cover the repair if it did arise.

Still undecided, like the car but don't want to end up with a financial headache...

cheers for listening.

 

[television]

Do a deal with the guy and change the rad, it does not cost that much

 

[rpe2]

If it has a seperate oil cooler on the front of the rad, it is unlikely to be at risk as it is the combined oil cooler/ rad that gives the expensive trouble.

See here http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=4503&d=1200259502 for the chassis nos affected.

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Trying to understand those chassis numbers (Just to see if our car is affected.) Where it says "211.065 etc, are the numbers after the dot the next three letters of the VIN number? Ours is 211026.
Thanks.

 

[television]

Trying to understand those chassis numbers (Just to see if our car is affected.) Where it says "211.065 etc, are the numbers after the dot the next three letters of the VIN number? Ours is 211026.
Thanks.

It affects the 203,209 and 211 cars built up to 30-09-03 and that is the build date. the individual VIN number does not come into it

 

[Mercedes 190E]

So if I ring Mercedes, will they be able to tell me ? I dont have a build date.

 

[television]

So if I ring Mercedes, will they be able to tell me ? I dont have a build date.

You can get a good idea from here with your full VIN number

http://old.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Hmm...that only gives a delivery date-in my case December 2003. I had better physically check the rad. Was a recall ever done ?

 

[television]

That is 2-3 months, have you checked the label on yours John

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Priority tomorrow Malcolm !

 

[rpe2]

It affects the 203,209 and 211 cars built up to 30-09-03 and that is the build date. the individual VIN number does not come into it

Hi Malcolm,

I thought that it did per the TSB. Both of the 203's in the family have VIN's not on the TSB, and have seperate oil coolers fitted in front of the main rad.

Sorry if I misunderstood.

 

[Rory]

If it has a seperate oil cooler on the front of the rad, it is unlikely to be at risk as it is the combined oil cooler/ rad that gives the expensive trouble.

Do any of them have a separate oil cooler?

Without going out to look, I thought the small rad in front of the main one was the a/c condenser.

 

[television]

Re the 203, that ins conjunction with the 111,112,271,611 990 and 646 engines.

with the 211 its the 112,113,271 and 612 engines

 

[delboy777]

I have just checked my Radiator and am delighted to say that it is NOT the troublesome version thats fitted in my car. Phew !!Its a BEHR !!!

 

[thejap]

My VIN starts with WDB211065******.it looks like its in the range for a Valeo rad. I've not had a look at the rad yet, but what is the issue with the Valeo rads. My E320 seems to drive ok, but I do get a droning noise when off the accelerator. Are MB recalling and replacing the rads or carrying out glycol tests?

 

[thejap]

Further to my previous post, I have had a look at the rad and can not find any Valeo stickers on it. There is a white sticker on the offside of the rad with an MB part number on but can't quite read it. I have only recently got the car and it drives fine 2003 E320 34000 miles, but there is a slight drone on decelleration. I a bit concerned about this rad issue. How can I check if the rad is Valeo or Behr. Did all pre 09/03 W211 have Valeo rads?

 

[television]

I will print of the details during the day.

Behr were fitted as well.

When at fault the symptoms are a dronning ,humming when pulling lightly at 1700-2000 rpm