Seeking Heater core removal tips/advice

[Vintagemotorwerks]

Has anyone taken out the heater core before? Is there a write up on the process? Also is it still possible to get a new heater core? Thanks in advance!!!

[Theotherotter]

I don't think that new heater cores are available.

You may find this thread helpful:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/show ... C-Overhaul

I did, when I replaced the heater valve on my car earlier this summer. I managed to do it without removing the heater core, but doing so would have been straighforward, if rather time-consuming. If you don't have AC you're saved a lot of work - if you do, the AC unit has to come out first and it's kind of obnoxious. Also you'll have to be very careful with your HVAC flex joints if they're not broken already. The mounting on the E12 with respect to the body is different than that on E12-based E24s, and it all slides backwards out from under the dash, rather than being accessed from the cowl side. Going from memory, once you've disconnected the heater hoses and the HVAC controls I think it's held in place by goo to seal the cowl and a handful of fasteners.

[Vintagemotorwerks]

Thanks for info. I’m going to try and tackle it this weekend. I gave the AC unit out of the dash so I figured this would be the best time to tackle the heater core. Safe to saw mine was probably leaking because owner had disconnected the heater hoses.

[Mike W.]

Thanks for info. I’m going to try and tackle it this weekend. I gave the AC unit out of the dash so I figured this would be the best time to tackle the heater core. Safe to saw mine was probably leaking because owner had disconnected the heater hoses.

Not that heater cores are immune to leakage or failure, but the first thing that came to my mind was the heater valve. Should be fairly easy to spot evidence of leakage from it though.

[Vintagemotorwerks]

Definitely will have to give you a call Mike!!!! Plan on hearing from me for more info on heater core removal. Thanks