Heater Matrix Replacement

[satvir]

Just wandered what was the best replacement part?

As once the dash is out and the part replaced, i don't it to fail and have to take dash out again etc.

Is a used original (2nd hand) a good replacement?

A new part?:

from main dealer?

or aftermarket new part from Euro or GSF etc?

[Brianmoooore]

Dash doesn't need to come out to change the matrix. It slides out the side after removing the centre console and the glovebox access panels.
They very rarely fail, so a second hand replacement should be fine, as long as it's from a car that has enjoyed some semblance of servicing over the years.

[satvir]

i assume my matrix had gone, i posted this video earlier:



so dash doesn't need to come out!?

[rich318i]

GSF Nissens £57 do not use euro £20 shit

BEHR ones are £180 from bmw

GSF No. 178BM0010
got the invoice in my hand

[Brianmoooore]

From where that's dripping it's far more likely to be the electric heater valve.
Take off the panel above the glovebox, followed by the one to the right, and you can see it. The two centre consoles will need to come out to change it. All fairly easy stuff, which I'm sure is covered in the wiki.
There was a word wide safety recall in '96 - '97 relevant to this problem. The original coolant pressure caps were found to sometimes go faulty and cause excess pressure in the cooling system, and this is the part that would fail. Check that your cap has been changed.
Your dealer will tell you from the VIN if yours had been changed, and give/fit a new one for you if it hasn't been.
Most of the replacement caps have a yellow disc on the bottom instead of black.