[EN] BMW E46 Heater control valve inspection and replacement

Driver visibility is a critically important factor when driving in all conditions. A faulty heater control valve can cause issues with the water flow to the heater matrix, which can affect the de-misting performance of the interior heater - therefore impacting visibility for the driver. In this video the heater control valve is tested and replaced on a BMW E46, with the entire replacement process explained from start to finish, with helpful step-by-step audio instructions from the narrator, makes this a comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide.

[@advantagemarine7305]

I would recommend using pipe clamps on the coolant hoses to stop coolant loss rather than draining the coolant.

[@wonderwalls3565]

I was told that this valve is always open ie the coolant always goes through the heater core unless the AC is turned on. Is that correct?

[@febi.bilstein]

Thank you for watching our video. In the video it is demonstrated when the heater controls are adjusted from hot to cold, this actuates the control valve for the hot coolant to flow into the heater matrix.

[@blubden7732]

Could this be the issue on my 330? AC works perfect on all vents except the driver footwell vent, blowing uncomfortably hot?

[@donvalls5314]

Mine just heats like hell and engine bay fan not working at all its not overheating if u stand still than yeah

[@josephbonilla5910]

Thanks for sharing l got same problem on my 2001 330i

[@febi.bilstein]

👍

[@Vodafone16v]

I noticed the metal part of the heater control valve assembly gets very hot, even when the engine is not yet running at operating temperature. Is this normal?

[@febi.bilstein]

Thank you for watching our video. The heater control valve controls the flow of the coolant into the heater matrix, when the heater controls are set to cold the hot coolant from the engine cannot pass through the valve, but the valve and coolant hoses would get hot from the coolant.

[@krisswastakentoo]

Check for a short circuit, if you have a multimeter just unplug the power cable and measure the pins, anything lower than ~20Ω could mean a short circuit

[@OGstorieswhite]

How do we know if this is the issue?

[@febi.bilstein]

Thank you for watching our video. If the valve was stuck shut or open. The symptoms would be the air inside the car would be cold or hot, with no adjustment.

[@unrealkinoart]

@@febi.bilstein It's -30 C here and the air inside my car was cold af. So I just hit the valve several times and it worked sort of. At least I'm not freezing and it's driveable.

[@krisswastakentoo]

In case you have a DME/OBD Reader che code that signals the pump is not working is IHKA017 and usually IHKA018 is given alongside it

[@likaspp8741]

Cool

[@febi.bilstein]

👍