Mercedes E350 P0128 Thermostat replacement Step by Step DIY W212

This video Mike Icee replaces his thermostat because the check engine light came on with code P0128. The Thermostat cost roughly $80 vs $140 from the dealer (part only). This video shows all the steps involved and tools needed.

[@TheMrChozen]

I’m literally working on my thermostat on my e550 and hear you say Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 I’m from Kazakhstan and hearing this definitely made my day 😂 Қазақстан алға!

[@maustin1965]

A tip on that sensor connection on the thermostat. Remove the thermostat from the vehicle which makes it easier to get to that connector. The gray tab pulls up and releases the connector.

[@davidcutter1030]

I suggest you mention to folks it takes a T-30 to loosen the torx screws on the air pump. You might consider mentioning how to disconnect the electrical connection on the the thermostat. There's a slide lock that needs to be backed away from the housing on the connector before prying apart the connection. Still a great instructive video.

[@mr22guy]

Thanks, these tips would've helped

[@PinkCougar]

I was thinking the same thing. There is no enough demonstration of handling the electrical connection on the thermostat. Thank you.

[@maustin1965]

Dude great vid! I just got this code on my 2011 e350 coupe. Now I’m ready to tackle it because of you! Cheers and have a great ‘21!

[@reidthomas3779]

Great video, I like the step by step you did. Very easy to follow

[@juicebox22a]

Just had to do mine on a 2011 E350, this Video helped out. At 14:56 that little bracket that is in the center of the screen supports a small 3/8" coolant hose from the molded top rad hose to the coolant reservoir on some models. Don't forget to check that hose is securely in the bracket. If not, as the car warms up the hose sags and gets chopped by the fan blades. Thanks again.

[@mikeicee]

Hey 1bad540i I remember you! Always nice to hear from you! Good point on the hose.

[@AndersThell]

Thanks, I followed your instruction for a 2010 SLK350, a bit less space but it worked just great. I also used a Carly obd reader to reset the code and turn off the CEL. Extra thanks for the tip of which brand to buy, I bought a Wahler and it was exactly the same as oem.

[@emadayyash9760]

Thank you and great job explaining the process... AAA

[@marchatton1407]

I have the P0128 code. Great video, I just wish I had the balls to do the tear down and replacement. But this is just outside of my comfort zone.

[@mikeicee]

Lol I still have the car. OMG this video feels a million years ago

[@marchatton1407]

@@mikeicee I bought mine in June with 96k on it. Glad to hear yours is still cranking along.

[@mikeicee]

I'm keeping it as im back in school and I don't like the newer E-Class 4 cylinder. 320K miles I hope it lasts through grad school. @@marchatton1407

[@davidcutter1030]

Thermostat with housing is available for much less money. Search the internet before purchasing.

[@davidcutter1030]

Excellent video, well thought out, great examples. Thank you

[@mohanish]

Mike quick question - I have a 2011 MB E350. when I first start the car, I get a loud (scratching) noise from the belts and pulleys in the engine block. but after about 5 minutes when the engine warms up, the noise goes away. Any idea what that is about? Is it fixable...thanks so much

[@larsbambi1575]

Thank you!! One question so unclear the light is still on. Should I clear it with the scanner or just wait until it does that drive cycle?

[@mosesmoses1674]

Hey mike my 2011 e350 went up from regular 86 up to 120. Had to pull over and parked for about 1hr then checked Copland and it’s normal no engine light then start back up drove for about 20mins and never went up. Also the fan isn’t blowing fast from what I observed. Please advice I know it’s been a while you have this video on.

[@bbalraj]

Hey Mike I am wondering if you can help me out 2013 CLS550, I replaced the fan since it was making a loud noise and when it came on and a yellow temp light would come on, but no check engine light. After replacing the fan assembly the yellow temp light no longer comes on. Car drove fine after, today I took it for 30 min drive after its been sitting all week, and when I got back home temp gauge jumped to 100*c.. When I put the AC on it would blow warm air. Are these symptoms of a bad thermostat? Any help would be awesome. Thank you.

[@rfischer0155]

How about a video to replace the cts on my c 350?

[@manuelcarbajal1184]

Hi @Mike Icee . Where can you find the standard torque of the car´s different parts? I´m trying to research but cannot find anything (not only for this job, but in general). Also, where do you look for what parts do fit your car/where to find the OEM number (is there a car manual with all these details? Asking from the most absolutely inexperience. I might give it a go and try to replace my thermostat thanks to this video! Cheers!

[@mikeicee]

Many manuals out there, if you're absolutely inexperienced its good to do these things with a friend or start off small. Like a cabin filter or air filter.

[@Rogues4Ever]

lol it's called a PETcock but good video my man

[@Thekingdavidreich]

hallo , how much torque did you use

[@davidcutter1030]

When you said, "torked to 25" I assume you meant 25Nm? (18.44Ftlbs)

[@mikeicee]

Yes I did Nm. If I didn’t have a torque wrench I’d just tighten good n tight with a 1/4 drive.

[@AYA-Art17]

Very helpful

[@wportillo95]

Dude, the hose is leaking 🤣 i tried everything so im now thinking about replacing the hose itself, even the ring was replaced, it clicks and everything but done with it

[@DemianPhotos]

How tight it needs to be fixed Nm? (The thermostat)

[@nealboyd9736]

Mike would a bad thermostat make the fan run on high

[@richardgreene3460]

Great video, Mike! Using your video, I changed the stat on my 08 S550 today...very similiar. My only concern is with new stat, the temp is showing 85 instead of 80. I poured the anti-freeze into the reservoir like you did and ran the car with the cap off for 15 minutes. Any idea why I'm getting a higher temperature?

[@mikeicee]

Does your MB use the blue coolant? I believe in these cars, like my E350 you practically fill the complete reservoir. The classic 80s/90's Benz had clear min/max marks with a large air cushion.

[@richardgreene3460]

@@mikeicee Yes, blue.

[@JP.7605]

To how many lbs are u torquing it to?

[@taqveem]

My cabin air temperature fluctuates between mild to warm to cold. I'm getting the feeling it's some diverter valve or the auxiliary water pump preventing warm coolant water getting into the cabin heater matrix. Have you had any similar issue with yours?

[@glasser2819]

you should use an ODB2 scanner to narrow down what DTC fault you are dealing with... bet it's an HVAC actuator module 👍

[@ginariverariveraacosta3539]

Love love love love love this video....nice teeth....great video...time to do mine now

[@mikeicee]

LOL thanks on the teeth comment!

[@rrobrand8453]

what issues were u having before replaced mine isnst accelerating as fast as before and kinds jumps time to time when gassing hard

[@mikeicee]

LOL that sounds like the intake manifold flaps.

[@atulseth7458]

I had the dealer replace the thermostat but the engine light is still on. someone had does a diagnostic and told me that I need to replace thermostat. So I did not pay a $175 diagnostic fee like that wanted to charge me to run another test. Any comments?

[@mikeicee]

Hmmm... well check the code. You can also check the wiring/plug for damage. Its hard to say brother.

[@mr22guy]

You have some trouble with words... Wahler is "waller", Calorstat is "calorstat" (lol), and the thing you open to drain coolant is a petcock, not a peacock.

[@mr22guy]

Nice video tho - teşekkürler

[@josephhunt783]

Did you have trouble getting air out the system?

[@jeflores1000]

Hi! How many ft lbs of tq for the thermostat screws and how many for the pulley screw? Great video! Thank you

[@mikeicee]

Thank you, its been awhile. I remember something close to 25 NM... or 18NM. It wasn't super tight.

[@Berelore]

He said 25 in the vid.

[@janantoni3604]

Twoj Polski bardzo dobry. Co ty robisz w Kazachstan ?

[@lilserb123]

Hey Mike, I have the exact same car 2011 E350 M272 Engine with 130k. I can feel vibration in the cabin when sitting at a stop or idling. Have you changed the motor mounts on your car? Also, do you get any engine tapping from the lifters when idling on a warm engine? Mine does this. Thank you Mike

[@mikeicee]

I made a video on a Lubro Moly product I used that made my engine smoother, the motor mounts have been changed 3 times in my E350.

[@lilserb123]

@@mikeicee What did the cost look like for the motor mounts, if you don't mind, dealer or local shop?

[@mikeicee]

Ilija Mladenovic 2 times the car was under warranty. At the dealer it’s too expensive. I think each engine mount is like $250 and the rear Trans one is $50 at the dealer. You can buy online for less and self install or pay someone.

[@glasser2819]

I bet it's your crankcase breather valve that is leaking bypass air in your intake. The computer does not account for it and you end up with LEAN MISFIRES when cold and shaky engine at idle just as if you had bad mounts. Since the intake vaccum is partially lost from bypass your brake pedal is likely harder than it used to be. 👍

[@lukebianchi7233]

Hey Mike I’m thinking about buying a w212 sedan. Should I go for a 2011 with the m272 or the 2012 with the m276??

[@mikeicee]

Hey I got 2011 and it has the old M272 but the newer blue fluid 7G Tronic + transmission. I honestly think its a great engine, I bought it sub 50K miles and it has 218K miles on it now. Test drive both to see how they feel, but I believe the M276 is a less reliable engine with many many plastic parts like the thermostat. I recommend the leather seats, P2 package with keyless go, black headliner, and Xenon lights. If you can score one with a Designo interior those are amazing.

[@lukebianchi7233]

Mike Icee thanks for the input!

[@xiathao9774]

Hello, where did you get the thermostat?

[@mikeicee]

I got it locally from WorldPac, pelican parts is a good place to look.

[@xiathao9774]

Mike Icee thank you

[@ernesto6315]

Did you reset the light yourself or just drive around until the light went off?

[@mikeicee]

It reset all by itself.

[@ernesto6315]

How long did it take or was it instant?

[@mikeicee]

@@ernesto6315 instant on next start up

[@ernesto6315]

Man I must be doing something wrong then lol. I followed every step. Still got the engine light on. Even drove 50 miles. Did another read still have the same code.

[@mikeicee]

@@ernesto6315 Did you makes sure electrical connector is plugged in all the way? Not much force, but that it clicks in.

[@chassidyl6026]

Is it the same process for a 2006 E350?

[@mikeicee]

chassidy l probably the same or close to if because they both have an M272 V6.

[@kevinparker5657]

Peacock 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Dam yankies

[@Heartbeat1991]

Peacock. 🤣🤣

[@mikeicee]

LMAO the petcock looks like a little plastic peacock.