1999 e36 316 heater matrix leak

[pearl nicholas]

got a leak inside the car particularly on the passenger side,carpets are soaking.
checked the cabin filter and drain channels and they were all ok
checked the coolant level and it has dropped which leads me to believe the matrix/pipes are leaking.
has anyone had any similar problems on one of these?
i understand there might be some o rings that could have perished on the matrix pipe connections or maybe a cracked matrix?

[R5GTTGAZ]

pearl nicholas said:

got a leak inside the car particularly on the passenger side,carpets are soaking.
checked the cabin filter and drain channels and they were all ok
checked the coolant level and it has dropped which leads me to believe the matrix/pipes are leaking.
has anyone had any similar problems on one of these?
i understand there might be some o rings that could have perished on the matrix pipe connections or maybe a cracked matrix?

The heater pipe connection seals have probably perished.

May as well do the matrix and seals while your in there. If you get the centre console out you will have a better view.

There are a few makes of heater system.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=BE12&a...

[pearl nicholas]

sorry car is an e46 model not e36,thanks for that link though its great

Edited by pearl nicholas on Friday 23 January 17:12

[pearl nicholas]

is this a dash out job to replace the matrix?

[sniff diesel]

pearl nicholas said:

is this a dash out job to replace the matrix?

I don't know about E46's but on an E36 you have to. Have you tried some Radweld type stuff first? If it's only a small it might just do the job and save you a lot of work, plus in my experience dashes never go back in 100% right when they're removed.