I'm changing out some hoses on my 1991 300d after the plastic coolant expansion tank cracked. WARNING TO YOU AGAIN that the EXPANSION TANK IS NO LONGER MADE for W124 300d and the 300e tanks WILL NOT FIT. I might have to get a used one.

1) My water pump works fine, but how long do they normally last? Mine is now 26 years old with 211k on it. I wonder if I should change that out before problems come.

2) I'm changing out all radiator hoses; there's more than just the upper and lower hoses. There's the ones that go to and from the expansion tank, etc. There must be about 8 to 10 hoses total.

Rather than sourcing each and every hose, is it possible to match them up close enough to generic hoses at Advanced Auto, NAPA, etc.?

Thanks,

jeff 1991 300d 211k

I've had the lower radiator hose with the reservoir connecting hose bonded to the lower hose separate at the bond in two aftermarket hoses over the years. Resulted in tows to home for repair.


Replaced with MB lower hose at just a few more $. No problems since. I'd think that the other non-bonded hoses would be fine aftermarket wise.

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1986 300SDL 440,xxx

Mine was 36 years old on my 1981 300SD when I replaced it about two months ago thinking the bearing noise I was hearing was water pump. Wrong. It was the AC pulley.

So I put in the new water pump anyway. The original is still perfect. Therefore I would not change it out unless you have some problem with it.

1) If it's not broken, don't fix it.

2) ONLY use MB radiator hoses, don't even think about going cheap here. A failed hose can easily destroy your engine by overheating.

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Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC

In the (Mis-named) Overflow tank.
[Which is actually Part of the pressurized system.]

Max is right about MB Hoses only...

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'84 300SD sold
124.128