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**nrubenstein** · 01-07-2011, 08:36 AM

The answer is that replacing the heater core with the dash in is no problem. These mechanics may never have done an E30 heater core. :p. While you're in there, you should replace the valve as well.

**lolcantturn** · 01-07-2011, 08:41 AM

Originally posted by CreamE30 View Post

I found an article on E30tech that said that all that was needed was to pull some parts from the interior (center console, ebrake boot) and it could be slid out like a tray and the new one pushed in. 2 hour job tops right?

This is right.

I've asked two reputable BMW mechanics, one who has a lot of hours on E30s and they both have said the same thing "dashboards gotta come out".

This wrong.

You basically remove everything below the HVAC panel and the heatercore will be there. It's a 2hourish job, mostly jigglying things out of the way, but you definitely do not have to remove the dashboard..that's absurd.

**nrubenstein** · 01-07-2011, 08:49 AM

When replacing the valve, I do recommend removing the seat, though. It's easy and it'll make your life slightly more comfortable.

**Jean** · 01-07-2011, 11:49 AM

I think the correct answer is it depends. There were two types of a/c/heater boxes and heater cores used in the e30s. Most have the box/core that does not require removal of dash or lowering of the steering console to replace the heater core. IIRC the cars that came with NO AC from the factory had a different style heater core that you can't remove w/o remove the dash/heater box or moving the steering console.

Yes, I have replaced the heater core, valve and pipes/o-rings (as you should when doing this job) w/o removing the dash/box as my car came with a/c from the factory and allows it .

**CreamE30** · 01-07-2011, 03:51 PM

^ ok, my car DOES have AC so what you're telling me is that I should be able to do it without removing the dash. Any idea if it differs from late/early model?

**Jean** · 01-07-2011, 04:25 PM

Not different in terms of heater core/box, but different in terms of different knee etc...it will make sense once you start removing it or look up the diagrams on realoem.com

**James Crivellone** · 01-07-2011, 05:48 PM

At no point does the dash need to come out to replace the heater core.

It does appear that quite a few dealerships and independents believe the dash DOES have to come out, however either they are padding the amount of money they bring in, or are just idiots when it comes to these cars.

Basically remove the knee bolster, the ebrake console, center console (window switches, ashtray, cig lighter, shift boot)

Once all that is out you can see the white (now turned dark crusty brown) heatercore on the left side of the hvac box with 1 silver and 1 black pipe (black is the heater control valve)

Its best to remove that little plastic air shroud that is in front of the heater core to make life easier. Now, Up past the heater valve near the firewall is a Phillips screw holding down a pipe clamp, remove that, then unbolt the 3 8mm bolts holding the pipes to the core (you did put a rag underneath to protect the carpet from coolant right?) remove the other 2 phillips screens holding the core in, grab a flathead and pry in between the core and the 2 coolant pipes and presto remove the core. Inspect the valve tube for gunk (if its dirty I recommend removing it and cleaning it up, inspect the orings (I'd just replace them) reinstall, turn the heater to full blast (in both temp and fan so you can feel the heat) start the car and keep feeding it coolant until the temp is in the middle, and you have hot air.

have fun, its an easy job, I can do it in about 45 min.

**Cloudbase** · 01-16-2014, 06:04 PM

Thanks for posting this DIY and confirming the dash doesn't need to come out.

I'm getting a pretty sweet coolant smell when I turn on my heat. Thinking my heater core might be due soon.

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