Hey guys I picked an 84 318i for 500 this summer and the heater core is no good... Now that I am trying to replace it I am running into a problem. I live in a small town and there is only one euro shop in town so I'm lookin to you guys for help. I've done a lot of research but can't find much. Now to the problem, when I called the shop to order a new core they are telling me that there are two different types, plastic and aluminum inlets and that I need to know which one I have before I order... It is my DD and I can't have it torn apart for a week. So is there anyway to tell which one I would have without having to take the whole dash apart? Also when I do get it figured out what advice do you guys have on replacing it? Like I said its a 1984 318i with the m10. Thanks in advanced for all your help. This website has already helped me out with a lot of issue with "project" :D
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Heater core problem *please help*
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E30's have two designs. The vast majority have both the inlet and outlet pipes right next to each other as they join the core. There are some models where they are not.
The rarer one looks like this:
The much more common one looks like this:
I have a used one of these that I can sell you for cheap if you need to get back on the road in a hurry. I'd encourage you to replace your heater valve, the pipes to the engine bay and all the o-rings while you're down there.
Take the center console out and look under your dash on the drivers side, the core exits the center area into the footwell and you can ID which type you have.
Go here to see write up
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Do you have AC? if you do, chances are you have the aluminum pipe version here:
"I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj
85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER
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You have to take off that center console to replace the thing anyways. Just take it off tomorrow, confirm what part you need to order (and get new o-rings too!!), and leave the center console off for a couple days while you wait for the part. It's the easiest part of the job - plastic nut under rear ashtray, side plastic nuts, pop out the window switches and the shift boot / knob or the auto shifter plastic brush piece.
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