318is Steam windscreen vents, wet passenger side carpet.

[gnarkillius]

Hey all,

My 318is has been sitting for a good 3 months, and I got it started again today (havent been able to as Ive been looking for someone to fix my knackered barrell/ignition, which is all done now)

Anyway, I gave it a jump start and it started straight away, and so I left it running just to see if anything cropped up temp or running wise.

It was all good, heated over 10 mins or so to 50% on the dial (its hot here too), and I was about to switch it off when steam started coming from the windscreen vents (both the 'inner' ones and the 'outer' ones, and a puddle began to form in the passenger footwell. At the same time the temp rose to 3/4 and stayed there.


Of course I switched it all off and had a look if I could see where the water in passenger side was coming from, and it LOOKS like (the only other place thats wet) its coming from the passenger footwell blower.


There was a sound of hissing/gurgling/boiling water emanating from behind the glove box as well, that gradually disapeared as it cooled down. (actually some steam came from the glove box at first too)

Im thinking heater matrix has gone, (or perhaps some gasket in there)since when I started it again with the blower to cold, I didnt get the steam, but I did get the water. (actual blower to 'off' both times)


Anyone have any ideas? I have done the search, but I havent found my exact symptoms of wet passenger side, and steam from windscreen vents. I have detected No water under the car, and the water was clean, no oil, and of course there was that smell of coolant pervading.

Other than that it all seems ok, and its a shame that this has gone, but better now than while I was driving it I suppose.


Ill be doing this myself, so if anyone can tell what is the most likely culptit, Id be grateful.

[scjimbo]

Sounds heater based to me.

[gnarkillius]

Sounds heater based to me.

Thanks scjimbo, I agree, Im wondering if from the symptoms anyone can tell if I need the whole matrix out and replaced, or just the inlet tube. (or outlet I suppose)

I ask that because I just gave it another go, and I can switch between hot/cold air, although the cold mode feels a little warm still, but this might be because its a warm day, and the hot is quite warm but not as hot as Id usually expect, but I didnt leave it running long enough to really get much heat up.

But just a little extra info if it helps anyone.