Heater Matrix E30 M3

[rallyman1984]

Hi Folks, the heater matrix must be leaking on my E30 M3.
Funny anti-freezy smell off the heater, and slimy (to feel) water on the footwell. not loosing a noticeable amount out of the header tank.

Any Ideas on how to get it out ? Big job ? Car has got Air Con.

Let me know.
Alex.

[Brianmoooore]

Check out the electric valve before you condem the matrix, especially if the fan doesn't mist up the screen.
Non aircon matrix just slides out the left hand side once the pipes are removed. Don't know about the aircon one, as I haven't managed to aquire one yet.(Have all the under bonnet bits).

[rallyman1984]

How do i go about it ?
dash out job ??

[Brianmoooore]

Presume your M3 is LH drive, so you should be able to see everything just by removing the panel above the driver's legs. At worst, you'll have to remove the centre consoles.

[rallyman1984]

ok thanks.

I'll have a shufty over the weekend

[rallyman1984]

oh, and yeah it's LHD .

see it in the BMW chat part of the forum.

[M3Jimbo]

have ya tried the drain pipe at the back of the engine bay! it realy common for them to block up, then the water backs up in the scuttle bit and leaks into the foot well! thats what rotted the carpet in mine!

Just wonderd as you said it wasnt loosing much water???

if it is that pipe then take it off wash it out the cut the flap off at the bottom!

[jcjdavis1]

have ya tried the drain pipe at the back of the engine bay! it realy common for them to block up, then the water backs up in the scuttle bit and leaks into the foot well! thats what rotted the carpet in mine!

Just wonderd as you said it wasnt loosing much water???

if it is that pipe then take it off wash it out the cut the flap off at the bottom!

Hi I had same prob. did above seems to be cured.

[Brianmoooore]

Overflow from the scuttle doesn't smell of antifreeze.

[jcjdavis1]

Hi good point

[Demlotcrew]

LHD cars with airs are easy, its easy if you know what you are doing, i swaped one on a Sport evo a few weeks ago, you need a good/small wratchet 7mm spanner to help with the bolts. Quite a bit of the engine loom needs to be stripped back to access the hoses going into the bulkhead.

Andrew

[M3Jimbo]

Didnt say that is was definatley the drain pipe was just sugesting
something else to have a look at before he goes ripping his car to peices!
when the heater matrix goes on them it just usualy smells musty! like all
stagnet water thats been soakin in foam backed carpet!

Sorry brainiac brain box more brain or somint like that?

[Brianmoooore]

when the heater matrix goes on them it just usualy smells musty! like all
stagnet water thats been soakin in foam backed carpet!

:

That's why I suggested it may be the valve, as water from thar doesn't normally get under the carpet. It runs down on top of it.