This process has been discussed before, but the car’s dash can’t be pulled out, even though it is ‘loose’. Have removed the 2 outer bolts (plug covered) and the 2 inside bolts that are attached to the car sides. Are there any other bolts or screws that are hidden? Does the upper and lower glove boxes need to come out? Managed to ‘muscled’ the heater core cover out, but I foresee much trouble attaching it back on due to the steering column tubular reinforcement. The transmission tunnel console has also been removed.
Last edited by M6csi; 06-06-2018 at 01:45 PM.
Bert
91 850i-A
1972 3.5 CSi (L-jet, Getrag 265 5 speed)
1988 ///M6
2021 X3 M40i
The back to back BIG COUPE” duo
You must remove upper and lower glove box first. Also the steering wheel although I have heard of others doing without. 2 screws on each side in the footwell and screw at base of each front pillar ( which must also be removed). I did this job on my 91.
Did you remove the two (10mm I believe) bolts at the base of the A pillars? You have to remove the A pillar trim, then look down through the windshield at the base where the A pillar trim came out to see them.
CSi #18 - Car & Driver Magazine 1994 actual test car
-- Hellrot/Black-Gray (1 of 1 NA CSi color combination)
BMWCCA E31 Chapter International Clubs Liaison
North America Representative, 8er.or Board of Directors
Thanks guys! Removed the A pillars bolts and the dash came right out. This was a piece a cake compared to the heater core removal and reinstallation. All in all, I’ve spent the better part of 2 days on this project. For the past 4 hours or so, I’ve been trying to reinstall the top water pipe (upper top left) to no avail. Seems like the o-ring can’t be compressed far enough to allow the fitment of the 1 bolt pipe clamp. This is with the dash out, imagine if it was still in place and having to fiddle with the heater core installation in the confined space. It has been a total nightmare of a job and I have given up for today. I’m ‘defeated’! Hopefully, better days are ahead
Bert
91 850i-A
1972 3.5 CSi (L-jet, Getrag 265 5 speed)
1988 ///M6
2021 X3 M40i
The back to back BIG COUPE” duo
FBDC1D97-079C-4021-B92C-66CBBE627BB5.jpg
This is “the bugger” clamp in question. First of all, there is not much wiggle room once the water pipe is slotted into heater core. Then, the clamp is a bayonet mount, it has to be rotated a quarter of a turn into the core’s mounting tab. All this in a confined space where your fingers will not reach. Will give it another try once the frustration subsides. Any tips?
Thanks!
Bert
91 850i-A
1972 3.5 CSi (L-jet, Getrag 265 5 speed)
1988 ///M6
2021 X3 M40i
The back to back BIG COUPE” duo
Vaseline,,, and keep trying. You will get it.
CSi #18 - Car & Driver Magazine 1994 actual test car
-- Hellrot/Black-Gray (1 of 1 NA CSi color combination)
BMWCCA E31 Chapter International Clubs Liaison
North America Representative, 8er.or Board of Directors
When it stops being fun, time to be done. Slow and steady wins every time in cases like that. Crazy thought, i once installed a oil pump gear on a crank by putting the crank in the freezer overnight. By the morning, the. Fank was cold enough to slip the gear on, once it warmed up, the gear was on for good. Perhaps this could work and give a little extra space.
After much silicone grease lubrication on the o-ring and clamp, everything slipped into place and properly bolted. The heater core is working like it should. No more periodic coolant odor from leaks. It’s a good thing BMW incorporated a collecting tray along with 2 drainages, I was expected some wet carpeting to clean up. Turned out to be nice and dry down there.
On with the dash dying project.
Bert
91 850i-A
1972 3.5 CSi (L-jet, Getrag 265 5 speed)
1988 ///M6
2021 X3 M40i
The back to back BIG COUPE” duo
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