Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Radiator

Both years fall within the W212 generation (2009–2016, with a facelift in 2013), but the facelift can bring changes to cooling system ancillaries and mounting points, so a pre-facelift (2009–2012) radiator crossing into a post-facelift (2013–2016) car is not a straightforward swap. The most reliable way to cross that boundary safely is to give the breaker both registration numbers so they can compare engine codes and confirm the radiator cores are a true match. Never assume year-to-year compatibility across a facelift without that check.

The W211 (2002–2009) and W212 (2009–2016) are entirely separate generations with different bodyshells, subframes and cooling layouts, so the radiators are not interchangeable. Always quote the generation or, better still, the engine code to a breaker to make sure you are sourcing from the correct platform. Mixing generations on a mechanical part like a radiator will not work.

Yes — Mercedes-Benz fitted several different engines to the E-Class in any given model year, and the radiator is sized and plumbed to the specific engine rather than the year on the V5. For example, a 2.2-litre diesel (OM651) and a 3.0-litre diesel (OM642) in the same W212 year use different radiators, so quoting the engine code (found on your V5 or via a VIN check) is the single most useful thing you can give a breaker. Fuel type and whether the car has an automatic gearbox (which often adds a transmission oil cooler circuit) are the next most important details.

Trim level — whether SE, Avantgarde, AMG Line or Sport — does not affect radiator fitment; what matters is the engine code, fuel type and gearbox type. A radiator pulled from an SE with the same engine code as your AMG Line car will function identically, though you may find cosmetic differences such as bracket finish or minor pipe routing that you should confirm with the breaker against your registration. Do not reject a part on trim grounds alone.

Many W212 automatic models do route gearbox oil cooling through the main radiator, meaning the radiator has additional transmission cooler ports compared with a manual equivalent. Whether your specific combination requires this depends on the exact engine and gearbox fitted, so confirm with the breaker using your registration or engine code before buying. Fitting a radiator without the transmission cooler circuit to a car that needs one can cause gearbox overheating, so this is not a detail to overlook.

Body style does not determine radiator fitment on the W212 — the engine code, fuel type and gearbox type are what matter, and these are shared across saloon and estate variants. A radiator from a W212 estate with the same engine code as your saloon should be functionally equivalent, though confirm with the breaker against both registrations in case of any mid-production ancillary changes. Never assume fitment without that confirmation.