Z3 Heater Matrix.

[Pip996]

Hi there,

We've been told by the local Stratstone that the Heater Matrix on our 1.9i 2001 Roadster needs replacing.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for information about the removal/replacement of said unit.
Also, any pitfalls etc.. that might need overcoming.

Bit of a novice but willing to have a go - maybe foolishly but we'll see.

Many thanks in anticipation

Phil

[Pistol968]

Hi Phil,

I have no idea how big a job this is on a Z3 however on my last car, a Lexus it was an all day affair - the entire dash needed to come out as the heater matrix was bolted to the cabin side of the bulkhead. I do hope this is not the case on yours and that BMW thought a little more about the design and future repair need of owners. Suffice to say I did not do it myself and left it to a specialist.

Hopefully someone far more knowledgeable than me on the subject will be along soon.

[pingu]

I've just had a quick read of Bentley and Haynes (which is the best in this case). It looks like you have fairly good access to the heater matrix and it is a relatively easy job compared to the same job on other cars. The main thing is that you don't have to remove the heat distribution unit.


I was just going to start a thread entitled "Is replacing a heater matrix the biggest job on a car?"

I've just done one on an Escort van. Complete cabin strip down. All that was left inside was the wiring loom. Carpets out as the old unit had leaked and there was water under them. Seats out for access. Airbag off and steering wheel off for access. Complete dashboard out for access. Heat distribution unit out for access. Inlet manifold off for access to the heater hose jubilee clips.

Only took two days, and no screws left over .

[Pip996]

Many thanks for the replies,

Sounds like it might be a job for a man who can!

Perhaps I'll have a look at it first though - any recommendations as to where I might get a replacement part from?

Thanks again.

[BladeRunner919]

I was just going to start a thread entitled "Is replacing a heater matrix the biggest job on a car?"

I also hang out on a Range Rover forum, as I have a first-gen one. On the second generation (P38) Range Rovers there is a common fault with the blend motors that control the ducting of the air for the climate control. The general consensus is that Land Rover must have started with that component and then built the entire car around it!

[pingu]

The general consensus is that Land Rover must have started with that component and then built the entire car around it!

The heat distribution box is usually the first part fitted into a bodyshell. It's just plain daft that the heater matrix (a common part that will fail) should not be easily removed without having to strip down the whole car. It looks like BMW have done an OK job with the Z3, but I've never had to do that job - YET.

[Andyboy]

These can be a bit of a sod. Unlike the Compact and E36 where the plastic pipes that go through the bulkhead can be removed, the Z3 matrix has the pipes intergral and they go through the bulkhead. That makes it all rather more difficult.

Which Stratstone is doing the job?

[Pip996]

Thank you for the advice. I've have now got a replacement matrix and intend to 'have a go'.

The Stratstone it went in to is in Chesterfield.

I will attempt to produce a 'howto' as I'm doing it which hopefully won't turn into a 'How not to'!

Thanks again.

P