Auto Parts: Steaming Under Hood, e420, mr evans

Question
Dear Mr Evans for All Experts:

Steam came from under the hood of our 1997 MB E420 and the coolant drained out right after filling.  We were told that the radiator, water pump, and thermostat all need to be replaced.  How typical is it that these parts malfunction at the same time?  We were quoted $1,500 for the whole job with new after-market/non-MB parts.  Is that reasonable/fair for the Bay Area?  Thanks.

Sincerely,
JL

Answer
    Well, obviously you don't need all of those things, just one of them.  It is even possible that you don't need any of them.  When you refilled the coolant, did you look to see where it was coming out?  That would be the part to fix.  I couldn't say which part is most likely to be bad, because usually none of them is.  If this was an American car, with cheap parts, I would be tempted to replace all three of those items.  A 13 year old radiator is probably at least partly clogged by now.  I would never replace a water pump unless it was leaking, or it had to come off for some other repair.  Changing the thermostat is cheap, and if the car overheated the old one may be damaged.  Off-hand I'd say the guy is taking you for a ride; get someone else to look at it and tell them you just want to fix what's broken, not pay for their kid's braces.