BMW vehicles often have problems with their heater cores. When the heater core malfunctions, you need to know what you are looking for and how to handle the issue before it gets worse. We will explain to you what a heater core is, how it works, what happens when it malfunctions, why it does, how to fix it and where to go to have it fixed.

What is a Heater Core?

A heater core is a small radiator located in the heater box of your BMW.

What Does it Do?

The heater core allows heated coolant to flow through the core, eventually blowing hot air into the vehicle’s cabin to keep you warm when it is chilly outside.

What Happens When the Heater Core Malfunctions?

A few different things can happen when your heater core malfunctions and the symptoms will manifest in a number of ways.

• The most obvious sign is that your BMW will not be delivering hot air into the vehicle when you crank up the temperature.
• If you can smell coolant inside of your car, it is likely that this is due to a leaky heater core. Coolant typically has a sweet smell as opposed to the strong, burning scent of gasoline.
• The coolant may be leaking under the dashboard. If you notice any fluid dripping inside of your vehicle, immediately take it in for service.
• The engine will overheat and your coolant levels will drop. You should stop driving as soon as possible if this happens.

Why the Heater Core Malfunctions

Every warning sign your BMW is showing always has a reason. It is important to get to the root of the problem before it damages your vehicle even further. So what could be wrong with your BMW’s heater core?

• The core could be clogged with debris. Eventually, just about every part under the vehicle’s hood will get clogged with dirt, grease, and other detritus. When that happens, nothing functions properly because this gunk is blocking the passageways for oil, fuel, and coolant to go through.
• A failed valve in the system could be blocking coolant from entering the heater core. This causes pressure to build up, which means the passageways could burst if it goes on for too long.
• A coolant leak causes the heater core and the radiator to run hot, causing the vehicle to overheat. If this is not repaired soon, the engine itself will become damaged and your BMW may break down.

How to Handle the Problem

You can do a bit of maintenance yourself to reduce your chances of hurting your BMW because of a malfunctioning or failing heater core.

• Clean out the cabin air filter Even if the heater core works, the hot air may not be getting to you because your filter is clogged and dirty.
• Flush out the core’s tubes with water or air so that the coolant can flow freely again. Make sure you do so very carefully. If you apply too much water or air pressure, the pipes will burst and you will have a much bigger issue on your hands.
• Clean the exterior fins of your heater core. The gunk buildup will be washed away, and the problem could be fixed without having to do anything else.
• Take your BMW into an auto shop with qualified mechanics. They will be able to diagnose and fix the issues better than you could at home.

After you have done all you can, you may find that your BMW’s heater core is still failing. In that case, you have to know where to go to have the core fixed or replaced so your car will run like new again.

Where to Have Your Heater Core Fixed/Replaced

When it comes to a European car such as yours, not every mechanic is qualified to work on it. The parts are new to other shops and they may not know how to install parts properly. That is why you need someone who will do the job right the first time. Das European Autohaus can help. We are more than familiar with European vehicles, and we guarantee that you will be happy with the service you receive. If you are in the Spring or Houston, TX areas, you should stop by and let us prove to you what we can do.