Heater control valve removal

[Trickery22]

So my heater control valve broke. I have a 1995 325is, and I cant seem t find any tutorial on how to remove it. I see where it is, but its just in a really tight space and is close to impossible to get too. So i was wondering if there were any tricks to this, or anything I could remove to make more room?

[fireflyer141]

It is a beyotch, but with patience and small hands you can do it. I removed the plastic covers on the fire wall to get some room. Still a P.I.T.A.

[ekib]

I just removed a few hoses that were in the way... behind the throttle body and that's it. But it's still a PITA. Easier than removing the intake manifold though...

Using a screwdriver with a long extension helps because then you don't have to have two hands in there... just one to hold the clamps. Also, I used a (shorter) screwdriver to get the hoses off. Getting them on is a bit easier since the spilled coolant will lubricate everything.

Takes 1-2 hrs of wrestling to replace it though...

[paniolo]

That was the final straw for me to go ahead and pull the manifold, replace all the heater/TB hoses, all the vacuum hoses, replace the Heater valve, back flush the heater core and entire cooling system and clean the ICV. I love the peace of mind from replacing all those ancient rubber hoses ... but it did take almost 10 hours of work over 2 days. I posted pics and tips in the complete cooling system overhaul DIY.

[Trickery22]

Hah, alright thanks guys. Yea I dont really have small hands and seems like everyone is on the same about it being a pita. Atleast I now know its do-able. Thanks again.

[shogun]

Just was looking for a member for a good write up, did not find one, but here is a youtube: This video explains how to replace the heater control valve on BMW 3 series built between the years of 1991 and 1999 if equipped with the valve that has the 3 heater hoses located on the same side, two upper outlets and one lower inlet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD9FBtSTLv4

and here https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...=heater+valves

[enf1945]

The Youtube video is very lacking. It really doesnt tell you how to get the bottom hose back on.

It tells you to remove the valve from underneath but not how to put the valve back on. No room on top.
Especially tricky must be getting the botttom hose back on.Its real far down.

[shogun]

TI replacing heater valve https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...ntrols/PGLhkoQ
The Bentley repair manual has no more details than that from the TIS

Maybe someone with experience has a more detailed DIY for the 6-cylinder engine for you

[Jacksone30]

It is so easy to change it if the intake manifold is out.
Just sayin.

You can then easily change all the hoses .
Just add an intake gasket to the list .

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[shogun]

o.k., E36 6-cylinder intake manifold removal is here https://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tec...e-Manifold.htm
and here a youtube on an M3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J54rKGFWwAA

[Jacksone30]

It is so easy to change it if the intake manifold is out.
Just sayin.

You can then easily change all the hoses .
Just add an intake gasket to the list .

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And disconnect the battery if u pull the intake as the hot lead is exposed on the starter.

Fuel line is a bit tricky to disconnect as well.

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[enf1945]

These are 20 year old cars. Plastic parts age. Pulling the intake manifold to replace a part that can be changed without pulling the manifold makes no sense to me.
Especially when playing around with fuel lines. Repair shops that do BMW do not pull the manifold for a heater valve replacement.

[shogun]

if you do not want to pull the intake, then you have to try it based on the youtube I posted earlier on 12-18-2018, let us know the pro's and con's.
The bottom hose I would try to get back on from below the car

[shogun]

did you meanwhile change the heater valve? If so, how? Any hints for easier removal for the other DIYers based on your experience are of course appreciated