Heater matrix

[Benjer182]

So it would appear my heater has given up and I'm having trouble sourcing a new one I haven't asked the dealers yet as is like to save a few quid, has anyone used one from eBay ? Or any other links ?

Cheers

[jmc330i]

How has the heater packed up? No heat or dumped coolant everywhere...

[Benjer182]

Coolant everywhere from the seam where the plastic end cap meets the metal core or the matrix

[jmc330i]

Just checking as you didn't mention what the problem was - I've seen people needlessly replace the matrix because the electronic valve was shot.

[Brianmoooore]

Unusual failure, so a second hand one should be OK. I'd recommend buying from one of the long term traders on here, rather than from some anonymous seller on ebay.
If your car has a 1.4 bar pressure cap on the coolant bottle, check that it's been replaced under the '97 safety recall.

[Benjer182]

I replaced the heater valve the other week but I've had issues with the cooling system after a failed radiator and water pump, cheers guys I'll ask in the classifieds

[Mr-Lachs]

If your car has a 1.4 bar pressure cap on the coolant bottle, check that it's been replaced under the '97 safety recall.

Does that apply to all models Brian? Ill need to check mine.

Kind Regards

Mr-Lachs

[Brianmoooore]

Does that apply to all models Brian? Ill need to check mine.

1.4 bar caps on all BMWs, which as far as E30s are concerned is the M40 and facelift M20 engined models.
Most replacement caps have a yellow disc on their underside.

[flybmw]

My mechanic recently told me that it is always a good idea to change the radiator cap once every year. Seriously? They fail that often?

[Brianmoooore]

A radiator cap, like a puppy, is for life!
The original 1.4 bar caps were found to develop a problem with the pressure relief valve as they aged, resulting in the system reaching an excess pressure. The weakest point in the cooling system tended to be the electric valve on the LH side of the heater box, so when this failed super heated water would be released over the lower legs of the driver in LH drive cars or the passenger in RH drive cars. The problem was identified around 1996, and because of the danger to the occupants, a safety recall was issued, which AFAIK is still in force, meaning that if your car is not shown in BMW's records as having had a replacement cap, you can take the car to a dealer and get a free new one.

[pianist]

My mechanic recently told me that it is always a good idea to change the radiator cap once every year. Seriously? They fail that often?

He must have a stash of them that needs shifting lol