Valeo Radiators - Any Experiences?

[curlyks2]

My (main) radiator has decided that retaining coolant is no longer it's function in life. Providing the engine undertray with a hot shower is now it's preferred activity.

I've had a search, and acknowledge the general "OEM good, Behr/Hella good, Nissens bad" commentary... but I can get a Valeo replacement at a better price than any of those (due to discounts, not because retail price is actually any cheaper!).

Has anyone any commentary/thoughts/experience of Valeo radiators?

Thanks

Ck.

[s2driveruk]

generally a good brand i thought and oem for loads of manufacturers so should be a safe bet i would have thought?

[Greg_S]

Personally I would only use the BEHR radiator, I have had 4 rads in 7 years on my S2, 3 of which were nissen or brands other than BEHR.

[curlyks2]

Thanks guys.

Can someone do me a favour and post the ABY (coupe, with aircon) radiator part no? If it's different, what's the 3B radiator part no?

Cheers

Ck.

[s2_bo]

GSF should sell you a BEHR one if you insist. They usually try to sell of the Nissens ones but if you specify that you want it to be BEHR they can usually get it for you. With the discount they come in at about £130 iirc.

Not sure on part number though. I though they were all the same as they all have the mounting tabs for the aircon rad and i have changed one from my s2 to my rs2 which had aircon and it fitted fine...

[merlin's S4]

Pete at quattro corner will either have a Behr one in stock or if not should be able to get you one. He supplied me with a Behr radiator for my S4 and it was also an excellent price!

[4WheelDrifter]

The original heater matrix is made by Valeo. But you know you're safe with a OEM Behr radiator.

The ABY rad is 893 121 251 S, 3B is 893 121 251 G, by my book.

[curlyks2]

Thanks all

The reason the Valeo one is so tempting as a standard replacement is because I can get it much cheaper than any of the other options. I work for an automotive related company that buys from Valeo, so can basically get that radiator at cost price. There is no similar relationship with Behr for me to take advantage of, so even with forum discount at GSF it's more expensive.

It looks like no-one has tried a Valeo radiator - or at least, no-one specifically remembers trying one.

Hmmmm.... choices

[4WheelDrifter]

If you can get it cheap, then give it a go then report back.
I can't see a Valeo one will be complete ****, but there's one way to find out.

I priced up a Valeo heater matrix from a few different places and my local Audi dealer was cheapest. Although I had to reject the first one that arrived because it was in a worse state than my original.

[Beetie]

Every Valeo rad ive ever fitted was ok and it is a oem brand for a lot of manufactuers

[gavs20v]

ive fitted two valeo rads now to two different corrado vr6's and theyve been spot on (one was fitted about 3 yrs ago iirc)
HTh
Gav