Heater Core Replacement

[DSpoljaric]

Hello all - I need to replace the heater core in my 1986 e23. Besides the link below, are there any other DIY resources?

Thank you

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/6940

[cfisher535is]

That post is what I used to replace mine. If you have questions, this would be the place to ask. It is a daunting task, a lot involved. I would do a LOT of prep work before you begin and do as much "replace while I'm in there" type of stuff so that you won't have to dismantle your dash again. Take pictures of every step; as you unplug and remove each part. bag and label everything. Be sure and do Hitman X's mod to the vacuum pods to make some of them easier to remove.

[DSpoljaric]

Thank you cfisher535is

[DSpoljaric]

Another online resource to share:

https://user.xmission.com/~kd7olf/bmw_heatercore.html

[DSpoljaric]

Update - today I followed the instructions from the link above, and I was able to get the heater core out without taking the box or dash out of the car. The main variable is that everything needs to be removed and pushed to the side. Once the clips are removed from the the plastic front cover, the cover wiggles out towards the passenger side and removed, and the heater core is exposed.

Going into the cowling, the hoses to the inlet and outlet of the heater core need to be removed. Once the tubing of the heater core is exposed, I gently pushed both heater core tubes from the cowling towards the inside of the car to the point where I had no more tube to push. Then, going into the interior, I found that the heater core was already dislodged and ready to be maneuvered out. The key at this point is that the passenger side inlet hard tube must be removed so that the remainder of the heater core can be pulled out.

I'm certain putting everything back together will be a pain in the ass, but patience, really good LED lighting, and some sipping whiskey will make it all come together.

I'm now contemplating updating the evaporator as it is now exposed. I'm also going to take the opportunity to update the A/C from R12 to R134. All I can say is that you have to really love the e23 to get this deep into the process.

Happy Thanksgiving all.

[cfisher535is]

Glad you were able to get it out without taking everything out. I had a water / rain leak around where the HVAC box mates to the firewall. I replaced everything while I was in there. Hope the reassembly goes smoothly!