Replacing Heater Core?

[v8z4]

Went driving around yesterday and kept smelling a (nasty) sweet smell (smelled like coolant) when the AC was on. This morning I pulled the radiator cap and not only confirmed the smell, but found the fluid level in the radiator was low. I must have a very small hole/crack in the heater core.

What is the procedure for the heater core replacement in the e85? Does the entire HVAC unit need to be removed? Does the dash need to come out to get the HVAC out?

 

[slick]

I wouldnt condemn the heater rad so quickly ........ it might be that but with the fan on any coolant smell can be drawn into the car through the heater intake vent

I,de take a good look at the rad cap and coolant expansion tank ....both are known concerns

 

[andysat]

I wouldnt condemn the heater rad so quickly ........ it might be that but with the fan on any coolant smell can be drawn into the car through the heater intake vent

I,de take a good look at the rad cap and coolant expansion tank ....both are known concerns

+1

 

[v8z4]

I'll check both. Thanks!

update:
Checked both and neither are leaking. There is no smell in the engine compartment with the engine running. Even with the hood up (couldn't be pulling any smells from the engine compartment) I get the smell with the AC (or heater) on. Furthermore, the smell seems stronger with the system on recirculate (interior air only).

I was looking at RealOEM and there is a carbon filter listed http://realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=BT33&mospid=47798&hg=64&fg=10. Could the filter be old/nasty and not doing its job?

 

[slick]

A stale pollen filter can put out some offensive oders.... though not of coolant in my experience.....worth pulling it out for a look/see though

and as you suspected with air on recirc the smell is worse is pointing to heater rad....

I,ve not had one out of an E85 so I cant be of any help , sorry :?

 

[BSVA]

I'll check both. Thanks!

update:
Checked both and neither are leaking. There is no smell in the engine compartment with the engine running. Even with the hood up (couldn't be pulling any smells from the engine compartment) I get the smell with the AC (or heater) on. Furthermore, the smell seems stronger with the system on recirculate (interior air only).

I was looking at RealOEM and there is a carbon filter listed http://realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=BT33&mospid=47798&hg=64&fg=10. Could the filter be old/nasty and not doing its job?

Is that the same as the Cabin Filter?

 

[slick]

I'll check both. Thanks!

update:
Checked both and neither are leaking. There is no smell in the engine compartment with the engine running. Even with the hood up (couldn't be pulling any smells from the engine compartment) I get the smell with the AC (or heater) on. Furthermore, the smell seems stronger with the system on recirculate (interior air only).

I was looking at RealOEM and there is a carbon filter listed http://realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=BT33&mospid=47798&hg=64&fg=10. Could the filter be old/nasty and not doing its job?

Is that the same as the Cabin Filter?

yes

 

[v8z4]

Found my problem (I think). I pulled the carbon (cabin) filter and it STINKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The filter had leaves, dirt, dead bugs, etc.. all kinds of nasty stuff. If I had to guess, the previous owner never changed it so after near 10 years of catching all kinds of nastiness, there's no telling what is growing on the filter.

Pulled the filter, put the cover back on, and no more nasty smell (not to mention more air flow). Looks like I got off lucky!

 

[BSVA]

Found my problem (I think). I pulled the carbon (cabin) filter and it STINKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The filter had leaves, dirt, dead bugs, etc.. all kinds of nasty stuff. If I had to guess, the previous owner never changed it so after near 10 years of catching all kinds of nastiness, there's no telling what is growing on the filter.

Pulled the filter, put the cover back on, and no more nasty smell (not to mention more air flow). Looks like I got off lucky!

Probably why mine has an odor only when first turned on. Car has always been garaged kept.....so we shall see.

Did you replace the filter or did you just remove it?

 

[v8z4]

Probably why mine has an odor only when first turned on. Car has always been garaged kept.....so we shall see.

Did you replace the filter or did you just remove it?

I just removed it. It's Sunday here I couldn't stand to drive it another day stinking as bad as it did. I'll go tomorrow (Monday) and get a replacement filter from the dealership.

 

[slick]

Found my problem (I think). I pulled the carbon (cabin) filter and it STINKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The filter had leaves, dirt, dead bugs, etc.. all kinds of nasty stuff. If I had to guess, the previous owner never changed it so after near 10 years of catching all kinds of nastiness, there's no telling what is growing on the filter.

Pulled the filter, put the cover back on, and no more nasty smell (not to mention more air flow). Looks like I got off lucky!

Your lucky day sir !

 

[andysat]

Phew!