HELP! In middle of heater core swap...

[Benny Z]

OK, I've got everything removed to expose the heater core, but I am at a loss as to how to access the 3 8mm flange bolts that attach the main lines to the heater core.

The main black dash brace bar is in the way of allowing me to access the bolts. You can only see one bolt in the pic, but there are two more.

How the heck are you supposed to get those out?

HELP!

[Benny Z]

I was able to get them out with a flexible extension piece for my 1/4" wratchet from Sears. The extension piece is almost like a tight spring. It is flexible enough to bend around the hoses, yet strong enough for the job.

The new heater core is in...tomorrow I just have to reverse the disassembly process and refill the system with fresh coolant.

I'll take more pics tomorrow and will try to do a brief DIY write-up.

IMO, it's definately worth doing the heater core swap yourself rather than paying $900+ to have it done at a shop...and even more at the $tealer. Nothing has been all that difficult...just time consuming. The most difficult part of the whole job has been getting to those three bolts.

[Dnz]

now lets see the dash line up again :D

[Benny Z]

now lets see the dash line up again :D

I'm pretty sure it'll all line up. Everything was pretty straight-forward. Wasn't exactly as easy as it appeared by just reading the Bentley, but we all know how that goes. ;)

I just wish I had thought in advance to pick up some nice RCA cables so that I could go ahead and run them for when I add an amp to my stereo system in a couple of weeks. Now would be the perfect time to run them.

Doh'! :confused

[vxnvgs9]

yeah, those three bolts were quite the bear. i managed to get them with a quarter inch rachet and an extention that happened to be just the right size. Even still, i could not get the rachet on flush one of them. I wasnt sure that i got enough torque on the bolt to hold it in, but i guess i did... knock on wood. A flexible extention sounds like a way to make it quite a bit easier, wish I had had one.

Sorry I lack any real advice, but for this part, it just comes down to persistance, the right tools, and having really nimble fingers. That is the only way to get those bolts in around the support frame.

[kinghawk]

why did you need to change it for? Im coming to wonder if mine is not up to par anymore because I dont get much heat. Microfilter has since been taken out

[Benny Z]

why did you need to change it for? Im coming to wonder if mine is not up to par anymore because I dont get much heat. Microfilter has since been taken out

I changed mine because it was rotting away.

I could smell coolant very strong when running the heater and the air would create a foggy glaze on the windshield with it blowing in the windshield defrost mode.

It took me about 2 hours to get everything back together today...not too bad. I didn't take as many pics as I had planned, but will post what I do have when I get the chance.

[Dnz]

Mine got changed too coz it was leaking coolant and blowing it through the aircon. mmm coolant.

[BingBimmer]

Hi Beeny Z, What happend to th pictures of replacing heater core project you have done? I need to do my 92 325i. Found an article on BMW DIY site, but it needs to take a dash out. Would appreciate it if you can post some picts, or email me at bing.du@verizon.net.
Thanks.