Coolant leaking; need help asap

[Tbolt]

So luckily classes are canceled, but I still have to get to work in 2 hours.

Well I go out in the shitty fucking weather to shovel ice/snow off the driveway and start up the e30. 10 minutes later I go to move it a couple feet and notice there is COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE INTERIOR WTF.


as well as all near the reservoir, and obviously over the ground.






I looked around and inspected all the hoses I could see, but I could not pinpoint any specific leak. There is a mechanic literally 30 yards from here but there is no more coolant in the reservior so I don't really want to drive it.

Here are the coolants I found in my garage

can I use one of those to get it to the shop?

any advice appreciated

[KenC]

Heater valve failure. Take the console out there by the gas pedal. and you'll see where it's leaking.

[RedHoodRidah]

Heater core for the interior. As for the outside check your radiator hoses if you haven't or anything coolant hoses near there. The coolant reservoir breather hose.

[Tbolt]

Heater valve failure. Take the console out there by the gas pedal. and you'll see where it's leaking.

I assume I will have to replace the heater core/valve? And I guess I shouldn't drive it until its replaced

[RedHoodRidah]

I assume I will have to replace the heater core/valve? And I guess I shouldn't drive it until its replaced

Unless you want to freeze your balls off and have coolant all over your floor.

[Tbolt]

Unless you want to freeze your balls off and have coolant all over your floor.

either that or get fired; tough times these days

sike, hopefully I can get a ride

[Tbolt]

So I called the dealership for pricing on a new core/valve. $350...fuck that.

I have a 1990 325i convertible that I have just sitting around. I can just take the core/valve from their right?

[EN318isPDX]

So I called the dealership for pricing on a new core/valve. $350...fuck that.

I have a 1990 325i convertible that I have just sitting around. I can just take the core/valve from their right?

Yes, if you want a temp fix you can eliminate the heater core by pulling the inlet and outlet hoses off and connecting them directly. I did this in my SHO because you have to pull the entire dash to get the heater core.

$149.25 from pelican for heater core with aluminum outlets.
175 for plastic

Rockauto has the plastic one for a bit cheaper
BEHR Part # 64118391362 {Heater Core: w/Plastic Inlet}
$160.79

[RickSloan]

there is also a recall on the heater core valve. Call the dealer back and have them run your vin to see if it was ever taken care of. Or have some one here or BF.c check. If it was never done they have to do at no cost to you i believe.

[Tbolt]

Well, I know the car currently has the 87 cooling system. I should be receiving the 88+ cooling system soon. What I wonder is if my 1990 325i vert has the same valve/core that I could just swap.

Thanks for the help so far though, much appreciation

[EN318isPDX]

Well, I know the car currently has the 87 cooling system. I should be receiving the 88+ cooling system soon. What I wonder is if my 1990 325i vert has the same valve/core that I could just swap.

Thanks for the help so far though, much appreciation

I would assume that they would be similar. Major thing you want to look for is if they are both plastic outlets or metal outlets. If they are the same outlets i'd than look up the part #'s on realoem to see if they are the same.

[Tbolt]

Thanks again. Two more questions though:

1.) What coolant does the pre-88 cooling use? as well as the 88+ coolant system?

2.) Where can I find info on the heater core/valve recall? (search turned up nothing)

[KenC]

Call the dealer regarding the recall.

Use a coolant that is safe for aluminum... it'll say on the bottle.

[Gnarles]

The recall you are thinking of is retrofit of a heater core bypass valve in the engine bay which will bypass the heater core at a certain pressure level to prevent the heater core from exploding. I don't think it has anything to do with the heater valve in the drivers side floorboard.

Also, if you are replacing the heater core, might as well do the heater valve and two pipes while you are down there since it is such a pain to get to.

there is also a recall on the heater core valve. Call the dealer back and have them run your vin to see if it was ever taken care of. Or have some one here or BF.c check. If it was never done they have to do at no cost to you i believe.

[Tbolt]

Yeah, called BMW dealer and there are no active recalls on my vehicle.

Just checked realoem and luckily my vert has the same part #s. So I just went out there and took the center consoles off. Only problem I see is that since its a vert there is like a reinforcement plate semi-covering the access to the valve/core. Any vert guys could chime in that have removed the heater core would be great.

Also, for a temp fix so I can scoot it a couple miles or so...will this work "Yes, if you want a temp fix you can eliminate the heater core by pulling the inlet and outlet hoses off and connecting them directly..."

and by inlet/outlet hoses...you mean these two pictured here:


if I just disconnect and connect them together it will simply bypass the core? I don't mind being cold but the coolant leaking is killing me. this is ok to do for a temp thing right?