Front cooling pack · Al Quoz 4
A leaking core, cracked end tank, restricted radiator, or damaged hose connection can turn slow coolant loss into overheating. MercGarage confirms that the radiator owns the fault, checks the surrounding cooling pack, and prices the complete fitting and refill before work.
An active temperature warning, steam, or rapid leak needs a call and safe shutdown, not a drive-in appointment.
Stop and switch off
Pull over safely, switch off the engine, and keep the expansion-tank cap closed while hot. Repeated restarts can turn a radiator leak into cylinder-head, gasket, turbocharger, or lubrication damage. Arrange recovery or ask MercGarage about transport.
Book an early check
If the temperature remains stable but coolant drops, dried residue appears at an end tank, or the front core is visibly damaged, schedule a cold pressure test. A minor leak can accelerate when pressure and Dubai traffic temperature rise.
Do not add leak-stop product before diagnosis. It can complicate inspection and may affect small passages elsewhere in the system.
Price before strip-down
The older page separated parts and labour. This revised range keeps the installed total visible and explains what can change it. A VIN check identifies the correct cooling package, but pressure and condition checks still decide whether the radiator needs replacement.
| Typical Mercedes application | Planning installed total | Scope represented |
|---|---|---|
| C-Class W204 or W205 | AED 1,150 to 1,550 | Plastic-aluminium radiator, normal labour, coolant, and testing |
| E-Class W212 or W213 | AED 1,300 to 1,850 | Model-specific radiator, fittings, labour, coolant, and checks |
| GLK, GLC, or similar SUV package | AED 1,500 to 2,200 | SUV fitment, access labour, coolant, and verification |
| S-Class or CLS dual-circuit fitment | AED 1,900 to 2,700 | Higher-specification radiator and model-dependent access |
| AMG high-capacity application | AED 2,200 to 3,200 | Performance cooling package, labour, coolant, and checks |
| Radiator leak diagnosis only | AED 250 to 450 | Cold inspection and pressure test where suitable |
Planning estimates include the listed radiator or diagnostic work, normal seals and fittings, labour, specified coolant where stated, and 5% VAT. Condenser, intercooler, fan or shroud, hoses, thermostat, water pump, transmission-fluid cooler lines, bumper damage, recovery, engine damage, and rare or genuine-only parts are separate unless included in writing. The current 15% first Mercedes service offer is not deducted from this table; ask whether it applies before approval.
Cooling-pack anatomy
From the grille inward, a Mercedes may place an air-conditioning condenser, charge-air cooler, engine radiator, auxiliary cooler, fan, shutters, and ducts close together. Impact damage or debris can affect more than one layer.
Serves the air-conditioning refrigerant circuit. A wet or oily mark here is not automatically engine coolant.
Supports the turbocharged intake system on relevant models. Some designs use a separate liquid circuit.
Releases heat from the engine coolant through tubes, fins, end tanks, and hose connections.
Control airflow at low road speed. A sound radiator can still overheat if airflow is weak or blocked.
Replace or repair
A plastic end tank that has split from age or heat, a corroded core with several weak points, damaged hose neck, or contaminated radiator often makes replacement more dependable than a local patch. A minor issue at a serviceable external fitting may have a smaller repair route.
We compare the leak location, radiator age and condition, cooling performance, part availability, labour overlap, and consequences of another failure. If replacement is selected, the new unit is matched for dimensions, ports, sensor provisions, mounts, and any integrated cooler connection.
Same symptom, different repair
Coolant may collect at the radiator even when it began higher in the system. Trace the path before condemning the core.
A restricted flow or thermostat fault can raise temperature while the radiator itself remains sealed.
Overheating mainly in traffic points toward airflow as well as coolant condition and circulation.
Temperature readings, exhaust gas, oil contamination, or persistent pressure after a cold start can move the diagnosis away from the radiator.
When the source is not yet known, start with Mercedes coolant-leak diagnosis. If circulation points to the pump, review Mercedes water pump replacement instead of treating the radiator as the default.
Repair route
Inspect cold, pressure-test where suitable, check airflow and operating data, and identify the leaking component.
Protect bodywork, drain as required, remove ducts, supports, fan or bumper parts in a controlled sequence.
Match the new radiator, renew required sealing points, reconnect lines correctly, and restore the cooling pack.
Refill and bleed, pressure-check, monitor temperature and fan response, and inspect after warm-up.
Post-installation proof
A new radiator is not finished when the last bolt is fitted. The circuit must be filled without trapping harmful air, hoses and quick connections checked, and the vehicle brought through a stable operating cycle.
No leak at the core, tanks, drain, hose necks, or disturbed connections.
Fan response and the physical cooling path are checked for the original complaint.
Live readings and cabin-heat behavior support normal circulation and bleed.
Where cooler lines are present, their connections and fluid condition are reviewed.
MercGarage is operated by AMF AUTO SERVICES LLC at 39 Al Quoz 4, Dubai. Mercedes-trained technicians and STAR diagnostics are available when fan commands, shutters, pumps, sensors, or temperature data need to be checked alongside the mechanical work.
Common questions
Do not drive if temperature is rising, coolant is pouring out, steam is present, or the warning is red. Even a slow leak can worsen under pressure. If the engine is cold and stable, call for advice based on the leak rate and distance.
Yes. The planning totals include the listed radiator, normal fitting parts, labour, specified coolant, testing, and 5% VAT. Related hoses, fan parts, cooler lines, body damage, recovery, and engine damage are separate unless shown on the written estimate.
Sometimes a serviceable external fitting has a smaller repair route. A split plastic tank, damaged hose neck, weakened or corroded core, repeated leak, or multiple failure points usually makes replacement the more dependable choice.
Timing depends on part availability and how much of the bumper, support, fan, ducting, or cooling pack must be removed. Cooler-line connections and contamination add time. We give a collection plan after confirming the radiator and access route.
The stated replacement ranges include draining as required, specified coolant refill, bleeding, and verification. A separate full-system flush or contamination cleanup is added only when the coolant condition makes it necessary and the scope is agreed.
Low-speed overheating can point toward fan operation, shutters, blocked airflow, debris, or circulation as well as the radiator. Road speed pushes more air through the cooling pack, so the symptom needs airflow and system checks before a radiator is ordered.
The repaired circuit should hold pressure, coolant should be filled and bled correctly, disturbed connections should stay dry, temperature should stabilize, fan response should match demand, and the level should be rechecked after the system settles.
Do not risk the engine
Tell us the warning colour, when temperature rises, leak location, and whether the car still holds coolant. For a cold, stable vehicle, WhatsApp the VIN and clear front cooling-pack photos for a part and booking check.
