Anybody here try the $30 Heater core? Common I know someone has

[TimKninja]

Allright, itsr time for heater core replacement on my car, small leak, original Behr Core.

Wondering which one of you cheap fucks has tried the $30 one on Ebay as opposed to the nice $130 Behr one.

Before you go and praise cheap parts to me, I know. I work in a European car repair facility. I know how much Chinese parts suck . Im just wondering whose tried it.

Te cheapest online is $30. I can find the same one from $50-$60 as well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Heater-Core-325-3-Series-318-E30-E36-BMW-325i-318i-M-M3-325is-318is-325e-/371035729602?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item566373eec2&vxp=mtr

Or do I have to be the first to try it

[reelizmpro]

That is dirt cheap. You have to wonder if it's any good at that price or if it will last. If it fails, you could be in trouble though as you risk getting burned, coolant on carpet, overheat the engine and have to change the core again which is a PITA. It's the quality of the plastic that worry me. Considering the OEM Behr lasts a long time, it may be worth it to find the cheapest Behr before rolling the dice on the $30 ebay core. You can get lucky at the junkyard and find good condition Behr cores as well so that's another option.

[TimKninja]

That is dirt cheap. You have to wonder if it's any good at that price or if it will last. If it fails, you could be in trouble though as you risk getting burned, coolant on carpet, overheat the engine and have to change the core again which is a PITA. It's the quality of the plastic that worry me. Considering the OEM Behr lasts a long time, it may be worth it to find the cheapest Behr before rolling the dice on the $30 ebay core. You can get lucky at the junkyard and find good condition Behr cores as well so that's another option.

Thats my general concern. as im driving around without carpet right now wating to replace this thing, I KNOW the Behr will last another 200k/20 Years like the OEM one has.

[MR 325]

I don't think I'd risk it on something like this.

[redsubdivisions]

Do it right the first time, or do it twice and pay the price.

[jeffnhiscars]

^ such a poet :)


I see good used cores offered here all the time. I'd go that route before I bought one off of eBay

[TobyB]

I went through 2 shitty M42 radiators in 3 years- now have a Behr...

Imagine the heater cores can't be that much better...

t

[jalopi]

From what I understand, the real issue with the cheap Chinese shit is quality control. You might get a great part... or you might get a piece of junk. Are you feeling lucky? ;D

[jlevie]

Given the amount of havoc & damage a leaking core can produce, and given how long the OE/OEM core lasts, I'd never consider using anything less. I'd plug the heater core hoses and live without the heater before I'd consider taking a chance on something cheaper.