E46 318I heater problem

[Pho3niX90]

From the first day that I bought my car the heater wasn't working, at first it didn't really bother me, but this year it's extra cold and extra travelling, so I need it to WORK.. What I have noticed is that there are 2 pipes blocked off with spark plugs (probably by someone in witbank). Now my question is, what would the reason for this be?? And where will I find someone that will be able to fix it for me, assuming BMW will charge me a fortune? Picture attached to show where the pipes are blanked off.

 

[zaleonardz]

some people should not be allowed to work on cars.. oh my sausage..... thats wrong.

I was going to say if your fan is not working its usually your final stage resistor or was is known as the hedgehog resistor...

But since there is an actual pipe blocked off, its probably that your heater core is leaking coolant, and you would have to take out the dash to get to it, which is probably why they just blocked it off... but with a spark plug...

 

[Pho3niX90]

some people should not be allowed to work on cars.. oh my sausage..... thats wrong.

I was going to say if your fan is not working its usually your final stage resistor or was is known as the hedgehog resistor...

But since there is an actual pipe blocked off, its probably that your heater core is leaking coolant, and you would have to take out the dash to get to it, which is probably why they just blocked it off... but with a spark plug...

yes I agree. It's very "gomgat".. Is there any decent bmw mechanics in Joburg area, preferably near joburg south? Im very new to joburg and need to find my beemer a doctor.

 

[Jacques Motorem]

My guess is that the heater valve has been isolated by the spark plugs cos the seals inside it are shot - they don't last forever without proper coolant. This would have been to prevent constant hot water flowing through it from the radiator and cooking you inside the car in summer. Take the heater valve apart first and see if the seals are indeed gone. If not then the heater core in the "heater box" in the dash is the likely culprit - good luck with replacing that - its a crap job.

 

[Pho3niX90]

My guess is that the heater valve has been isolated by the spark plugs cos the seals inside it are shot - they don't last forever without proper coolant. This would have been to prevent constant hot water flowing through it from the radiator and cooking you inside the car in summer. Take the heater valve apart first and see if the seals are indeed gone. If not then the heater core in the "heater box" in the dash is the likely culprit - good luck with replacing that - its a crap job.

Thanks, great idea. I think i might be doing that first.

 

[Jacques Motorem]

My guess is that the heater valve has been isolated by the spark plugs cos the seals inside it are shot - they don't last forever without proper coolant. This would have been to prevent constant hot water flowing through it from the radiator and cooking you inside the car in summer. Take the heater valve apart first and see if the seals are indeed gone. If not then the heater core in the "heater box" in the dash is the likely culprit - good luck with replacing that - its a crap job.

Thanks, great idea. I think i might be doing that first.

Cool - let us know the result