BMW E30 Heater/Air Con Unit Restoration

[@RestoreIt]

Hey guys, thanks for watching and thanks for all of the advice. I've decided I'm going to change both heat exchangers (the heater core and evaporator) for brand new ones and also buy a new blower motor to go with the new motor clip that's on the way. I could have waited for all of those parts to arrive, but in the current climate, it would have delayed the video for weeks. I'll make a little video for Instagram when all of the new parts arrive. Follow @restoreitytchannel to see that when it happens. Thanks for all the lovely comments! Stay safe everyone.

[@resoir6413]

Нужно было разобраться почему дырка появилась, вероятно подшипнику мотора конец, дырка появится снова.

[@Elmer_RedEagle]

Smart move, while some say if it aint broke don't fix it. These parts usually decide to start leaking after they get put back in. Its worth replacing them ALWAYS!

[@yuhafizayusoff4562]

You too my friend..

[@erdemeligul3812]

I think it's enough just finish this car 😄

[@ARP4D]

What a quality job you just have done! Well done mate!

[@RIS533]

This demonstrates why you are the best restoration channel on you tube, the attention to every detail is formidable, fantastic well done

[@RestoreIt]

Cheers Richards means a lot!

[@mustangj0hn]

I'm amazed you can still get those foam gaskets.

[@RestoreIt]

Me too. it's why i love the E30 and BMW in general.

[@ulrichf2530]

@Juden Arier never heard of that. thx for the info, will start to put some silicone on them to prevent that

[@Mr.Riffian]

Germans general support their models for decades. The French on the other hand, well let’s say they do the opposite. Sometimes they don’t support models after 7 years (Citroën for example).

[@martin.kirilov]

The award for the most patient man in the world goes to ...

[@RestoreIt]

I edit the swearing out... Lots of edting trust me :D

[@ibrahimasow5038]

@@RestoreIt That would be fun if you added some of the swearing and blip them. So we could've a taste of the behind the scenes. But I understand it's hard to do when you have sponsors.

[@mogli_in_pants7338]

Need a bloopers vid for sure

[@shantar07]

Lol, Literally ! Salut Brother @restore it

[@Carguy-sp8xj]

@@ibrahimasow5038 I never thought of that. That would actually be pretty cool

[@Uglier.]

40 minutes!? BLESSED

[@RestoreIt]

Took me a lot longer than that :D

[@zakshah3480]

This channel redefines what it means to be willing to truly restore something. Nowadays, we're really quick to getting rid of things cuz of small issues like this that we deem impossible to fix, but in reality, it's totally possible with patience and dedication. I salute you brother!

[@DavidPlass]

14:45 I expected the angels to sing when the two parts were finally separated!

[@RestoreIt]

Haha it felt like that kind of moment!

[@garymucher9590]

I did this exact same thing to a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee.I totally removed the entire dash and everything connected to the metal firewall. And for the deteriorated foam parts and doors, I used sun-visor replacement materials and 3M 77 spray glues. Every part removed, cleaned and tested. I even replaced the heater/AC units in the plenum as well. Great to have a perfectly great working system again. Thumbs Up!

[@jenstornqvist4567]

I normally don't like resto videos with music or voiceovers, I kinda watch restovideos to relax and go to sleep to. I've watched you for a while and you only get better and better. It doesn't help that I'm a BMW lover by heart and these e30 videos has been a true blessing to watch. Your voice is great to listen to, and I learn a lot from you explaining things. I love the way you challenge yourself with doing stuff you've never done before. Keep up the great content, hope to see the e30 drive soon ;)

[@RestoreIt]

Thankn you Jens, what a lovely comment. It's much appreciated thank you :)

[@vmoutsop]

What an intricate and fiddly process just to take it apart. You have some serious patience. Amazing

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Vmoutsop!!

[@Davewagon]

Watching you straighten the fins on the radiator/heat exchanger was particularly satisfying...

[@johndehoog5567]

627 comments when I entered mine. It's all been said. Unfrigginbelievable!! That you got the thing apart with breaking any of the vintage plastic was amazing. When you say restoration you mean TOTAL restoration of EVERY component! When you were finished it looked like NOS. Best regards from Canada

[@gaffyh1745]

3D pen was ingenious! So complicated, can't believe you even put it back together, let alone have just a few missing pieces

[@echangwang1821]

I love your narration you do in the video now and again. It makes it much more engaging.

[@markharris7662]

I really love your attention to detail. How can anyone make a heater box revamp interesting. You nailed it.

[@xtina818]

I love that everything is mechanical and not computer based. You can actually fix stuff

[@RestoreIt]

I know right... This is why I love the E30. It's accessible by matures like me :D

[@andrewwinch474]

Xt even the computer based stuff works the same way, it’s generally just moved by actuators instead of cables.

[@AidanTemplin]

Mannnnn I'm extremely impressed with this one. As a fellow restoration geek I'll restore practically anything I can get my hands on but, this is one of those things were I'd be WAY too uncomfortable tackling. It looked so painfully confusing through this video during the disassembly, but surprisingly it looked much simpler during the reassembly process. Good job brotha, been watching you since the very first upload and you never fail to satisfy!! Never stop doing this please 😂

[@gomkraken7]

You are the best restoring things! No matter if you forgot something you don’t have any idea of how much I appreciate your work more in those days... You know how to spend your time during the weeks inside home and make our lives better I really enjoyed that long video.

[@EricAbbottTri]

I love how you did not need to do most of the work you did, but you did it anyway. It must feel good knowing it is the best it can be and is probably better than when it was factory new.

[@pedrodscom]

I almost cry seeing this, that unit was a nightmare! what a hard work and commitment to make it until the end! congrats!

[@user-kp9xq8ql9s]

I love seeing someone taking the time to restore parts like this, awesome job! I need to do the same to one of my vehicles, where did you get those foam sheets from? I've tried using stuff from hardware stores, but it doesn't quite do the trick.

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Cody! And here - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Foam-Sheet-Sponge-Rubber-Grey-Extra-Sticky-Self-Adhesive-Plain-Gaskets-Seals/261530567751?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=563614506322&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[@user-kp9xq8ql9s]

@@RestoreIt awesome, thank you!

[@davpkav1]

Another excellent video....I was watching with keen interest as I have to replace those two big gaskets. I discovered the reason my car makes an almighty squealing noise above a certain speed (can't say the actual speed....if you catch my drift....).....is that those two gaskets have dried out, so the air whistles through the gaps left my them shrinking. Very helpful indeed.....Thank you so much.

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks davpkav, glad you found it usefull :D

[@manstersr]

Those round clips are called push nuts and can be had at any hardware store. Nice restoration, I like how you pay attention to the finish and make things look like new as well as work like new.

[@1leggeddog]

holy crap you are super human to remember how all of this goes back together kudos!

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Karine, but the video helps :D

[@vitaliy_andreevich1012]

the moment of restoring radiator was awesome! i’ll do it on my car, thanks!

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks! I thought some people would think that was over the top :D

[@conwaystedham444]

39 minutes and 5 seconds in my mouth literally dropped as it tore! You are a legend. Feeding my OCD.

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Conway! Damn that sticker.

[@cfrag6607]

You sir, are exceptional! Unquestionably I do not have the patience but I truly wish I could find someone in the states that would attempt some of these restorations with your attention to detail and patience (probably said person isn’t even in existence). I have an ‘85 325e that has been in my family since ‘88 (2nd owner, 90k miles manual trans) and I drive it from time to time but needs a good amount of stuff. This being step one, the A/C and heat, planning on restoring the rest as well with all original and factory parts to bring it back to its former glory but in the states it’s next to impossible to find parts.

[@Stuntman707]

Great work on the HVAC. I think the 3D pen is a great idea for making and restoring ABS parts. As usual, your attention to detail really makes the difference. I suggest when you get around to the instrument cluster, inspecting and reflowing the solder joints. Especially around the Canbus connector. Vibrations over the years can cause hairline cracks in the joints that can make the electronics behave erratically.

[@MrEyad1990]

im a mechanic and believe me , that cable hatches are GOLD , then never go bad , not like all new cars have vacuumed or electric motor hatches witch they always break and mix cold air with hot and from outside an its a pain to fix . OLD cars are GOLD

[@jimmymorrison3973]

An absolute legend you are for tackling this. Such meticulous tediousness. 👍

[@gutsy.trails.adventure]

Massive undertaking mate, well done. Think it would have made me break down in tears...

[@RestoreIt]

Haha thanks GTA. It wasn't too bad :)

[@nazrojean7128]

ur video is soooooo satisfying to watch...the amt of patience,dedication,intricacy to details-respect!

[@charbre1999]

Congratulation on your dedication!

[@vessmachineen193]

this part is one of the most difficult parts to restore. You really did a nice job doing that.i enjoyed it. I am one of your fans from Turkey. we are a concrete block manufacturing company located in Turkey. As guarantee we restore some parts and i know what you are going through.

[@kubilay0035]

İşinin en iyisini ve hakkıyla yapan adam. Süpersin...

[@MamutTVTIMAO]

Congratulations! You are very meticulous Guaranteed clean air

[@takeiteasynacho]

Great job! That looked confusing for sure but it was fun watching

[@virendrawate2128]

Very perfect restoration

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Virendra!

[@AntiIlluminati_GR]

The best restoration video ever!!!!!!!

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Anti!

[@JonMichaelDeShazer]

You can probably print new labels on one of those fancy label machines. I would imagine there are companies that can do it and ship it to you as well.

[@RestoreIt]

Yes I've been meaning to get a label printer. I think now is a good time. Saves paying someone else to do it :)

[@excelsuryaprabaswara8071]

great content, how in the earth there are a man this patience i hope you're doing more frequently

[@dillanmistry]

Attention to detail continues

[@PlaybacksingerVipinSNanden]

You are also the best bro , i want more see from Bmw E30 cruise control , SWRA Head light wiper and OBC 2 restore..thanks so much.

[@theodorevakis1347]

I was in the half of the video and i pause just to give you my congrats.. Well done mate

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks so much theofore. I really appreciate it!

[@TheRed86]

That plastic welding was neat man...

[@MrSn3akr]

RESTORE IT - For the small parts, get a rotary tumbler for jewelry.. Their small and inexpensive (100ish £) , but their awesome for small parts (and you don't risk blowing them into your blaster) :D

[@RestoreIt]

I have had one in my basket for so long. I should just get it, you're right!

[@MrSn3akr]

@@RestoreIt Awesome videos btw 😉

[@czowieklasu2449]

Fantastic job my friend. I'm also doing a 'mini rebuild' on my own E30 Touring and at one stage was thinking about taking this entire unit out but at the minute it seems like a lot of work with removing the dash etc. I also wanted to have a look what's wrong with my Heater as got problems with heating in general, engine rebuild was done, air bubbles removed from the cooling system, so the only thing that's left at this stage is the heater itself, I'm sure that it's in a similar condition to the one on your video. Thanks for the video, I'll use it as a guide for sure! ^_^

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Pawel! Yes doing this without fully stripping the car does seem like a lot of work, because it is. I think you can access the heater core without remoing the unit or dash. That might fix your heating issues. Thanks!

[@SuperPate007]

You should change those vacuum pods for new ones, the diaframe starts to leak in those when they are old. Most times in older cars they don't work because of leak and same time as they leak, other vacuum systems are not working correctly.

[@Magnanimouss1]

Absolutely satisfying to watch, amazing work man! Gives me hope to do mine as well!

[@lancejames9228]

Mind boggling. Well done.

[@middlecovemotors2474]

I've done that job before! Retro fitted factory A/C to a touring I owned, every clip wire and relay transplanted. I promised myself I would never do that again.

[@StephenJohnson-jb7xe]

I am impressed that you spent the time to paint and zp parts that will never be seen once the car is assembled.

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Stephen! I couldn't just leave them now :)

[@barryford7135]

Blimey this is a nut & bolt & any other part restoration!

[@carboumen7661]

😨Madre mia !!!!! Menudo trabajo. Well done mate.....Ya me canse solo con ver el trabajo. Keep learning spanish😎

[@TheDaf95xf]

What a fantastic restoration 🤩

[@BluVergilWolf]

Это просто потресающе Дружище, вот просто потрерающе. Если бы каждый подходил к работе, хотя бы в половину как Ты, куда лучше было бы, конечно оно было и дороже, но зато вон какая красота, а ведь результат стоит того. Молодец 👍 Можно попросить Тебя продолжать в том же духе? Ах, да хотелось бы что бы были субтитры действий и названий того что Ты снимаешь/устанавливаешь и используешь - материалы и расходные материалы. Спасибо за труд, как всегда ставлю лайк, жаль что могу поставить только один

[@RestoreIt]

Огромное спасибо! Я ищу, чтобы другие языки делались для субтитров. Я сделаю это, как только смогу. Спасибо за этот прекрасный комментарий! : D

[@daltroitu]

VERY VERY NICE!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[@atrimmer3009]

This is the world's first proper demonstration of the only way to thoroughly exorcise a Covid-19 mange infestation from a car's air conditioner - fantastic work. Trust you washed your hands after, Cheers :-D

[@abdalahm5949]

Amazing work 👍🏻👍🏻

[@violetLizard]

Jeez with all the broken plastic on my Z3, I can't believe I never thought of using a 3d pen! Good excuse to get one now haha

[@TecnoAnDrOlD]

Nice work dude

[@Drewmk-sc9zv]

wonderful and amazed at how many parts there ,you did an excellent job ...bravo and stay safe :)

[@E30Update]

Dude OMG. I'm so jealous. I just replaced my blower motor. If my E30 wasn't my daily I'd totally go this route. Makes me want to not even start my channel now :( ... I am working on a little project for fixing part of the housing a little different way, but I loved your 3D pen idea! I do have one question though - where did you source the flap gasket material?

[@acreery1]

Just curious, why did you paint the plastic? Was it protectant or just paint? It was already black. It doesn’t see light so fading and visual appeal is not a problem.

[@pmgodfrey]

I'm like that with cabling. I make every cable and wiring harness from scratch and it looks like a thing of beauty...then no one ever sees it. We know it's there...and it would bother us if we didn't at least make it look pretty even though it's hidden.

[@RestoreIt]

I don't need to say a word. Pmgodfrey took the words right out of my mouth.

[@GADzik377]

Greetings from Saint Petersburg, Russia. I've been watching your videos for a long time, and this video is as beautiful as the last ones. But I have a question: why didn't you wash the radiators from the inside? The text was written with the help of a translator:) Good luck to you, brother:)

[@cetinyldz3179]

With this patience, you become saints.

[@LOL_BUTTS]

Damn this car is gonna be so nice!

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks dude!

[@danmurphy6541]

I didn’t think you’d reassemble it...fair dues

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

What's the difference between the heater core and the radiator in this video?

[@RestoreIt]

My mistake, one is a heater core for heat i guess and one is an evaporator. Not a rad. One cool and one heats I believe haha...

[@octaviansorescu7427]

Amazing!!! Without words!!!

[@darthvader192837465]

Love this channel, just makes me wish I had the set up and the amount of time to work on my own car to this level. Keep up the great work! It's truly impressive. My only question, with both radiators out did you back flush them before reassembly ? If not, why ?

[@frk380]

THANKS. IT'S CONSUME 40MIN IN LOCKDOWN

[@ISOlatorPL]

Great restore, love your e30 content, it inspires me to work with my builds, btw, what camera are you using?

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Bartek! Gh3 :)

[@endrizzi1000]

Naaaaaaa son un millón cinquicientas mil partes que locura!!

[@unperrier5998]

I didn't know it's possible to (pop) rivet metal to plastic! I thought a washer was needed to have metal on both sides.

[@HaviRL]

Hi, good job! Thanks for sharing these amazing videos. I'm going to try to restore my climate unit following your steps and install a/c. Is there a video on how to remove the box?

[@quickvictor]

E30 Genius

[@EchoSevenNine]

How you remember where everything goes I'll never understand. I mean, I've a decent set of hands on me for most things but the sheer amount of parts, mechanisms, gaskets, wiring and settings involved in that heater unit alone. You must take a lot of pics?

[@RestoreIt]

I'll tell you my secret Richmond! I of course film the dissasemly for YT. I then edit it together and watch it backwards to help me :)

[@EchoSevenNine]

@@RestoreIt So simple yet so effective... I love it! Keep loving what you do and stay safe mate.

[@entrophany]

This is some serious level of insanity.

[@markdammes1947]

Any idea why it had been cut like that?

[@RestoreIt]

No idea, maybe the wrong rad thing I'm not sure.

[@milosivankovic9791]

I did something similar on my e24 and e28 HVACs. In some respects, your work is much better than mine (e.g. I didn't bother painting the plastic after the thorough cleaning), but I think there is also a critical weakness to it: Why, oh why didn't you clean the heat exchangers when you had them out. That's the 80% of the point of doing all this. I used to soak mine in detergents and antibacterial disinfectants *repeatedly* (and vibrate them in those baths) until the last germ, piece of dust/grime and dead fly got out. You can't believe the amount of (30 yrs worth of) muck and crap that was in there. You don't want it (re)circulating in your car and ending up in your lungs ultimately. Also, you should have changed the brushes on the motor, while there. They do wear out at some point, and because they are like 4$, you don't want to open everything up again for that.

[@RestoreIt]

hey Milos, thanks for the advice. I've decided I'm going to change all of the parts you have mentioned for new ones :)

[@milosivankovic9791]

@@RestoreIt Great choice. Your car is going to be a joy for years once you finish all this beautiful work. Cheers!

[@yousseffaid8133]

Beautiful job like every video

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Youssef!

[@danieljamieson1524]

Astonishing

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks bro!

[@diamondlpl]

Give your kitty lots of scritches and pets on my behalf 🥰

[@omerisk8587]

Wow nice job 👏👏👏👏

[@dannyws696]

Do you have a video of the ac compressor how to replace and connect?

[@odaytawel6601]

I think u should buy the correct radiator 🙂

[@RestoreIt]

I will find out whats going on and buy the parts I need don't worry :)

[@umutdemir9991]

I hate that destroyed foamy layer. In my renault 19 when i use ac , black dust blows at my face.

[@ljuberzy]

it doesn't look you soap-washed the fins of those cores! have you washed at least the heater core from the inside with some mild acid solution?

[@adambalajti9223]

Hello, Amazing restoration. Can you tell me pls, what type is the foam what you used (or just a link). In my car the foam is in same state :(

[@robhall7192]

what type of foam did you use for the sealing of the flaps? trying to source some in the USA.

[@evilevil1214]

Amazing man i really liked your work and enjoyed watching the video you got my thumbs up 👍 bravo 👏

[@alien_brain]

if you want to bleach the dingy plastics try high concentration hydrogen peroxide and heat. there are several ‘retrobright’ tutorials on youtube by people who restore old computer components. i tried it on stained plastic parts from old musical gear and it worked very well. the hydrogen peroxide comes in liquid or paste and can be found at beauty supply stores anywhere.

[@МарянШевчук-л4э]

Чудово ремонтуєш! Бережи себе.

[@RestoreIt]

Спасибо, сэр. Ты тоже.

[@michaelpalmer8620]

Great video and all the others in the series, love the detail you go into. Out of curiosity do you remember the size of the foam you bought and cut for the smaller gaskets? I can see the 2 bigger ones are still available from BMW.

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Michael, i got some 3mm 4mm and 5mm sheets from eBay.

[@michaelpalmer8620]

@@RestoreIt perfect. Thank you

[@nailkhaibullin9007]

Finally, new video!

[@RestoreIt]

One day I'll have some help to speed things up :)

[@nailkhaibullin9007]

@@RestoreIt I wish your channel success and look forward to the final result

[@nailkhaibullin9007]

@@RestoreIt I'm looking your video from Kazakhstan. I will definitely come to you in Spain and look live at BMW

[@user-bn5lw2zu3z]

nice job but i dont understand why you did not buy the new heater core,these things wont last forever and are pain to change,should have changed that even if the original one was working, and blower motor would been also nice to change

[@Remycartransformation]

What kind of foam is used for the ac evaporator ?

[@jamescoutris1508]

what kind of foam did you use for the smaller flaps?

[@toyota218921]

my good man are second to no one.