Since all the DIY write-ups, discussions, and advice has helped me perform DIY jobs and save countless dollars over the years, I decided to document and record a procedure that doesn’t have a lot of detail out on the Internet: The entire process of replacing a leaking evaporator in an E46 330i!
In the 8 part video viewable here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9...AhBPGTWBOO68jg
I show the following:
Part 1:
How to safely put an E46 on 4 jack stands
Remove door trim plates/sills and weather stripping
Remove covering and mucket for the curtain airbags
Disconnect the OBD connection and other wiring on the driver’s kick panel
Remove the steering wheel airbag and the wheel itself
Part 2:
Disconnect the electrical for the key antenna, wiper switch, and turn signal
Remove the steering wheel column stalk, dashboard trim pieces, headlight switch
I also take out the vents/grills, gauge cluster, radio, and the entire center console
The HVAC/IHKA controls come out along with the passenger side airbag and glove box
Part 3:
Remove the passenger side kick panel
Remove the dashboard
Remove the dashboard support structure which involves disconnecting the fuse box and lowering the steering column along with the side curtain airbag connections
I also drain the coolant from the radiator and engine block.
Part 4:
I work inside the engine bay to remove the cabin air filter (micro filter)
Remove the heater bulkhead detach the IHKA coolant lines for the heater core
I disconnect the AC lines and illustrate how to remove the IHKA housing itself.
This part also demonstrates how to access the evaporator inside the IHKA housing.
Part 5:
Here, the new evaporator is prepared and placed back in the housing
Then everything begins to get put back together; but not before I show how to test the repair with a vacuum pump first!
I also show how to change the o-rings and get the IHKA intake flaps back on
Parts 6 – 7
Reinstallation of everything we took off
Part 8
More reinstallation and the proper procedure to refill the coolant and how to change the dryer.
How to ensure moisture is removed from the system with the vacuum pump.
Finally, I charge the AC system and have nice cool air again!
I hope these videos and available color prints or PDF will help others save big money on this time consuming, but relatively easy job.
Great job! Super big job.
Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by hundreds of engineers that get paid thousands of dollars for something you bought at Pep Boys because your buddy who doesn't have a job told you it was 'better'?!?
Is it the same for all M54, i.e. E53 X5?
Sounds like a royal pain. Subscribed to your channel!
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