Heater Core Replacement Procedures

1998 - 2005  BMW 3-Series
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2000 BMW 3-Series 2 Dr 328Ci Coupe

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Procedure Source: AutoZone.com


NOTE

The heater case assembly must be removed to remove the heater core on all 3-Series vehicles.

 

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

  2. Drain the cooling system into a clean container for reuse.

  3. Discharge and recover the air conditioning system refrigerant.

  4.  Remove the heater bulkhead from the engine compartment

 

Fig. 1. Heater bulkhead retaining screws


5.  Release the  hose clamps and detach the water hoses

6.  Release the heater case screws on the firewall

 

Fig. 2. Heater case retaining screws


7  Remove the steering wheel and steering column switches

CAUTION

When removing the steering wheel on airbag equipped vehicles, use extreme caution handling the airbag assembly. Store the airbag with the airbag facing up, to avoid injury in case of accidental deployment. Replace damaged airbag assemblies. Do not try to repair or reuse deployed airbag assemblies.


8.  Remove the center console retaining screws and all electrical leads to the center console

9.  Remove the center console

10.  Open the glove box and remove the glove box door assembly

11.  Remove the instrument panel trim

12.  Remove the left and right -A- pillar trim

13.  Removee the headlight switch assembly

14.   Remove he instrument cluster

15.   Remove the radio assembly and the radio trim

16.  Remove the ventilation control head

17.  Remove the passenger side airbag

18.  Remove the left and right defroster vents

19.  Remove teh upper instrument panel retaining screws

20.  Pull the instrument panel away from the firewall

21.  Remove all electrical multi-plugs leading to the instrument panel

22.  Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle

23. Remove the steering column fasteners

24.  Lower the steering column

25.  Remove the fasteners from the right and left sides of the instrument panel reinforcement

 

Fig. 3.  Instrument panel reinforcement side fasteners

 

26.  Remove the right and left head airbag assemblies if equipped

27.  Remove the electrical leads from the heater

28.  Remove the right and left center console reinforcements

29.  Cut the cable ties from the fusebox.

30.  Release the locks and pivot the fusebox  assembly downwards

31.  Remove the fusebox and the transverse reinforcement

32.  Remove the heater case retaining bolts

33.  Remove the heater case assembly from the vehicle

34.  Remove the heater core from the heater case assembly

 

To install:

 1.  Install the new heater core into the heater case assembly. Make sure the gasket is positioned properly.

2.  Install the heater case in the original position in the vehicle

3.  Install the fusebox and the transverse reinforcement

4.  Pivot  the fusebox assembly upwards and engage the locks.

5.  Install new cable ties on the fusebox

6.  Install the right and left center console reinforcements

7.  Connect the electrical leads to the heater

6.  Install the right and left head airbag assemblies if equipped

7.  Install the right and left side fasteners of the instrument panel reinforcement

8.  Raise the steering column and install new fasteners

9.  Connect all instrument panel electrical multi-plugs

10.  Position and install the instrument panel into the vehicle

11.  Install the left and right defroster vents

12.  Install the passenger side airbag

13.  Install the ventilation control head

14. Install the radio assembly and the radio trim

15.  Install the instrument cluster

16.  Install the headlight switch assembly

17.  Install the left and right -A- pillar trim

18.  Install the instrument panel trim

19.  Install the glove box door assembly

20.  Connect the electrical connections and install the center console

21.  Install the steering column switches

22.  Install the steering wheel

23.  Install the heater case screws on the firewall

24.  Install the water hoses and clamps

25.  Install the heater bulkhead in the engine compartment

26.  Refill the cooling system.

27.  Evacuate, charge and leak test the air conditioning system.

28.  Connect the negative battery cable.

29.  Operate the engine to normal operating temperature

30.  Check the climate control operation and check for leaks.