Which Heater Core Design for My U.S-Spec E30?

[BMWtyro]

Our U.S.-spec 1987 325e (built 7/86) needs a heater core. Does anyone know which of these two designs it takes? I need to know quickly!

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AC_SL1500_.jpg

OR

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...AedbL._AC_.jpg

[superj]

i never changed it on an 87 but on my 89 it was the second picture

[BMWtyro]

Thanks, superjay.

[BMWtyro]

I figured it out: it is the one on the bottom, P/N 64118391363.

The one above is for a Canadian-market car.

[superj]

cool

[richardodn]

There are two different heater boxes used in the E30. The easiest way to check is to look at the heater core inlet/outlet tubes where they pass through the firewall. If they're made of aluminum, you have the most common one in the US market. However the plastic one was also used in the US market. You need to check which one you have instead of assuming based on market.

[BMWtyro]

Thanks, Richard, but I'm afraid that boat has sailed. What I ordered looks like this:

[superj]

you can lay down by your gas pedal and look up in there and see the one you have, also. you might have to pull the center console arm out a little look behind but that's where the hose flange with the two ports is visible from

[BMWtyro]

Thanks, superj; I'll keep that info in mind in the future. Unfortunately, the car is with my BMW specialist now (50 miles distant) and I have already ordered the correct one for our car per RealOEM (researched by VIN). Fingers crossed.

Jeff

[323i E30]

In the end you only needed a $0.05 o-ring