What to replace when replacing dash?

[Landrunner]

I just got a brand new dash and plan on replacing my existing one in the next week or so. I have a small water leak right on the passenger's side of the tunnel; I've already cleaned the elephant trunk, etc...it is nothing bad but I want to address it when the dash is out. What kind of seals are behind the dash that lead to the outside that I should replace? Does anyone have a picture or a diagram that I could reference when ordering parts?

Thanks in advance. :D

[nrubenstein]

You'll want to replace the heater core sealing foam. If your wiper transmission needs replacing, do it - the only way to get it out is byb removing the heater box. You can do it from the front with a hammer, or unbolt it from the back.

[Landrunner]

Thanks for the reply. Wiper transmission, meaning wiper motor? Does anyone have a p/n for the heater core foam?

[gp.plus]

I would put in a new heater core.

[accident]

i would put in a new heater core.

+1

[davem]

My water valve started leaking before my heater core did so I replaced both. I would just leave the heater core stuff unless you have a non-ac car and the heater core is really hard to get access to without pulling the dash.

[OnMy2ndE30]

When I find a dash to replace mine, I will be replacing the evap core, expansion valve, heater core and valve as well as what is listed above

[Broom Broom]

im about to replace my dashboard in a month, i have a 1987 325e

should i bother replacing any of these items listed?

the heater core and wiper motor are they easy to replace?

[reelizmpro]

The only thing you should really change is the HVAC gasket if you can. It's nothing major but since the dash is out it's a good time to do it. Perhaps this is what Rubenstein meant by Heater core gasket? Heater core and valve can both be accessed with the dash in so it's not that big of a deal. Evaporator could be changed too if you still have AC. I actually replaced mine with a filter on my other M3 without AC. It's also a good time to wire in or fix the wiring on your aftermarket stereo/alarm. Doing it all in one shot.

[Broom Broom]

The only thing you should really change is the HVAC gasket if you can. It's nothing major but since the dash is out it's a good time to do it. Perhaps this is what Rubenstein meant by Heater core gasket? Heater core and valve can both be accessed with the dash in so it's not that big of a deal. Evaporator could be changed too if you still have AC. I actually replaced mine with a filter on my other M3 without AC. It's also a good time to wire in or fix the wiring on your aftermarket stereo/alarm. Doing it all in one shot.

thankyou, yeah and my A/C is currently not working

[Landrunner]

Perhaps the HVAC gasket is what could be leaking from the outside into my passenger's side tunnel area? Thanks for all the info so far.

[Landrunner]

Anyone?

[reelizmpro]

The gasket I'm talking about is the thick foam gasket for the air vents only but there is a thin gasket between the HVAC and firewall. I doubt it's causing your problem though. What's leaking? coolant or water? The heater core could be leaking, HVAC drains could be missing or not installed right.

[bernzpeed]

My water valve started leaking before my heater core did so I replaced both. I would just leave the heater core stuff unless you have a non-ac car and the heater core is really hard to get access to without pulling the dash.

heater core is not that hard to access with dash on.

[nrubenstein]

The wiper motor is easy to replace from the front. The transmission is impossible. It's the assembly that the wipers bolt to.

As stated above, the heater core is really easy to replace with the dash in. In fact, I'm not sure that it's actually meaningfully easier to replace with the dash out, so I really don't understand why folks are so anxious to swap it.