heater core replacement

[pepperbare]

How difficult is it to replace the heater core on 87 735i. I assume one has to take the whole dash apart to get at it.

[swingbozo]

Yep. After 10 years I still do not have my dash put back together after replacing the heater core, then again I'm lazy as all get out.

Of course it keeps the theives from stealing my radio when they look in the car and see all the guts of the dash hanging out. It was my intension to work on the rediculous vacuum controls in short order, but other things became more important.

However, it's better than constantly breathing radiator fluid.

[u00jdj2]

Actually, you can do the heater core without removing the entire dash. It takes a little bit of gyration, but it can be done.

You'll need to remove the center console and the center panel that holds the radio/heater controls. Now you should be able to see the relays that control the vac. heater controls. The heater core is behind the cover that the relays mount to. The cover is held in place by spring loaded clips. Two additional items of note:

1) You may have to remove (or loosen) the structural support on the right side as it limits access to the heater core. This has bolts that attach to the transmission hump and the upper dash support.

2) You might also want to remove the supply return tubes from the heater core before removing it. Just slide it out a little, and you can get them with a small 8mm wrench. Removing these allows you much better access for removing the core.

Good Luck,

Jeff

[swingbozo]

Well removing the entire dash is certainly overkill, but you have to remove the radio and the entire central hvac/obc controls, along with the entire lower center console - which means you have to remove the entire center console all the way back to the vents for the back seat.

I wasn't a happy camper when I did mine.

[shadowell]

You might also want to check out the writeup I did at http://www.xmission.com/~kd7olf/bmw_heatercore.html if you haven't gotten to this yet... It's an old writeup, but it works...Gerald
'80 733i, '71 Super Beetle
http://www.xmission.com/~kd7olf/bmw.html

[Ray7er6ers5er3er]

[gomamma]

The first time I did it it took me 12 hours. Now I can do them is about 3. Its hard but no so hard you want to sell the car as is to avoid the problem.

[tomiia]

I have a 1997 328is and need to change the heater core. whats the easyest way? and is there any tool that you might have to buy

[clinta74]

Agreed. I replaced mine this spring. Someone had posted a complete howto a couple years ago (do a search) Ended up taking about 4 hours. You will have to gently bend one of the braces out of the way.

[swingbozo]

Funny seeing this old post. You'll never guess what's leaking again on my car.