I really didn't hit it that hard, but the radiator look cockeyed when I crawled underneath. The fan was rubbing the shroud a bit, but there was no leakage, and the AC still worked.

I was thinking about cooking up some kind of plate to protect the radiator. Has something else been done to protect these radiators?

(This post has been edited to get a better response)

 

Bump. 'Scuse me!

 

Why don't you install the original belly pan that she gave you?
ohlord

 

I haven't put the belly pan up under there, but doesn't it mount to the radiator brackets, which are already weak? And if I did, how is that piece of plastic going to prevent damage from a curb? The mounting holes on the belly pan are weak too, and would probably tear through with the next good whack. I assume that the previous owner already had problems with this thing falling off before, so something must be wrong with the system as it is. Is my 96 unusual in some way? I don't get it...

 

Confirmed. The front of the belly pan mounts to the radiator, so replacing it is only going to help a little. The bumper is the only metal in front of that, and its about 9 inches higher than the radiator. Has anyone made a metal bracket that attaches to the bumper, then down around the radiator,, then back to the crossmember?

Maybe I am just a lowrider, but I can't be the only one. Does everybody replace their E300 springs before 150K?

 

Last chance before I give up on this forum...

 

there are two types of covering underneath the front area... plastic and metal.

order the metal one and install it.

 

Or build one using the plastic one as a mock up template.We have seen some very dropped w210 models and no problems with the radiators.Measure a lowered 210 or go over to mbworld.org w210 section and post the problem,someone will measure stock v.s. dropped height.
ohlord

 

Thanks for the advice. If I were to buy the metal cover, would I be able to find one anywhere but the dealer?

 

They might or can locate
http://www.mbpartsonline.com/
or just have a sheet metal shop fab you one up.
ohlord