HOW-TO: Replace Windshield Washer Reservoir

[gerryvz]

I think it would be a good idea for folks to procure a pair of these, particularly if the original cap is indeed NLA.

 

[gerryvz]

OK, following up on this, I got more parts today and can definitively note that we have a working solution.

First of all, I obtained the flip-top cap, which is MB part number 124 869 00 72. This part, interestingly, comes with the rubber seal inside the cap.


As you can see, it snaps right onto the "replacement" W210 reservoir lid that we have identified as a replacement for the "screw-on" cap and the former "threaded" lid for the reservoir, which is now NLA.

I also obtained one of the rubber seals for the W210 (and NLA threaded lid), as shown, MB part number 000 869 04 98.

The good thing is that now that we know that the W210 reservoir lid works perfectly, it also allows you to keep your heated windshield washer piping inside the reservoir.

So, let's summarize the currently available parts that make up this "revised" solution, if you need to order it.

Windshield washer reservoir: 124 869 07 20


Windshield washer reservoir lid: 210 869 03 08


Windshield washer reservoir lid rubber ring seal: 000 869 04 98


Windshield washer reservoir lid rubber grommets for coolant tubes (2 needed): 124 997 50 81


Windshield washer level sensor seal (not needed if a new washer level sensor is installed): 140 997 42 81


Windshield washer level sensor: 140 540 00 17



Windshield washer reservoir cap: 124 869 00 72

 

[gerryvz]

Hopefully the above post is of use for anyone who is updating, replacing or refurbishing their windshield washer reservoir and associated parts.

The above information does not include the two washer pumps, and the associated pump grommets.

 

[Lavaone]

I just went through the problem. Lost fluid twice before I started just using water to test fixes which including (serially); buying and replacing grommets (lost 3 of 4 of the slippery b@$t%rds to points south, more on this later), buying and replacing grommets a second time, buying and replacing pumps, and finally buying and replacing the tank. Nothing worked. Both sides leaked like sieves.

Assuming its the hose, I dug in and pulled off the headlight cover and gained some access. I pulled out the pumps and pulled the grommets off the pump ends. Now that I had actually access, I took another look at the holes the grommets and pump insert into, grabbed a grommet and pushed it into the hole until I felt a satisfactory snap. This was the Aha Moment!

You see, having dropped 3 of 4 of the now slippery grommets into the pan under the front end, I decided instead to place them onto the pump and then insert the pump with grommet into the reservoir.

Doooooh!

I will never know if replacing the $4 worth of grommets would have solved my problem as I refuse to potentially find myself guilty of yet another headfirst leap into the deep end.

I do have a nice new shiny white tank though . . .

 

[Steve119]

Also in the process of renewing everything associated to coolant the washer reservoir. All the stuff like seals, 2 pumps, grommets, reservoir, lids were available and were delivered, per OEM numbers. Only the plastic high nut to tighten the reservoir is NLA, as is the plastic strip for the lid. Will clean those up as good as possible. The seals on the coolant thermostat in the reservoir are a must do item by now on these cars, they were shot and coolant must have been leaking slightly in the reservoir.

One remaining question. I've reinstalled the pumps in their 'clear' hoses, but there is also a black line of which I can't recall where it fits...

Anyone can help?

Thanks

 

[gsxr]

The seals on the coolant thermostat in the reservoir are a must do item by now on these cars, they were shot and coolant must have been leaking slightly in the reservoir.

If the coolant thermostat in the reservoir is original, replace the entire assembly (126-830-07-84). I've had more than one crack at the pipe connections and leak. Cheap insurance at $17 USD (link). Use OE/dealer O-rings, qty=2 of 013-997-40-45-64.

One remaining question. Ive reinstalled the pumps in their clear hoses, but there is also a black line of which I cant recall where it fits...

In your photo, it looks like someone modified the hoses which route to the headlight washers. There should only be 1 hose, which connects to a splitter / non-return valve below the passenger headlight to feed the opposite side. You'll need to trace both hoses and figure out what went wrong.

 

[gerryvz]

Heads up: Looks like 126-869-06-08 has become NLA according to my local dealer partsman.

View attachment 115408

This cap appears to be available again. Can anyone confirm yes or no?

 

[gsxr]

This cap appears to be available again. Can anyone confirm yes or no?

Appears this snap-on reservoir cover 126-869-06-08 is available as a reproduced part! Sweet! Screenshot & linke below.

Screw-on cap 123-869-01-72 should also be available, and gasket 123-997-05-40.

Looks like the plastic retaining strap is still OOS/backordered though (link), possibly NLA. Thumbscrewnut is NLA (link).

Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts Search.

Browse through the Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts Search to see the availability of parts, promotional and newly manufactured parts and order them online (only in Germany).

partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com

 

[gerryvz]

This cap appears to be available again. Can anyone confirm yes or no?

From my local dealer, as of right now:

Original reservoir cap
126-869-06-08 FLORIDA SHOWS 10

Reservoir cap strap
126-869-02-14 NO STOCK COMM BLOCKED. SHOWING 7 AT OTHER DEALERS. AKRON OH SHOWS 5 , (330) 733-7511

Screw-on reservoir top cap
123-869-01-72 NJ SHOWS 11

Thumb nut that holds reservoir down to fender
201-869-00-28 SHOWS 5 IN FONTANA CALIF.

 

[Steve119]

If the coolant thermostat in the reservoir is original, replace the entire assembly (126-830-07-84). Ive had more than one crack at the pipe connections and leak. Cheap insurance at $17 USD (link). Use OE/dealer O-rings, qty=2 of 013-997-40-45-64.

In your photo, it looks like someone modified the hoses which route to the headlight washers. There should only be 1 hose, which connects to a splitter / non-return valve below the passenger headlight to feed the opposite side. Youll need to trace both hoses and figure out what went wrong.

Ok thanks for the info. And that will probably be the black pipe that has come off.