2010 328i needs a/c evaporator

JFleming · 05-11-2015, 07:32 PM

I am putting a new evaporator in my 2010 328i. The problem you may run into is that when you go to order the replacement you are faced with two choices. The factory (randomly?) used either a "Valeo" or a "Denso" brand of heater box which means you have to do some tear down to id what you have before you can order the new evaporator.

During the tear down I found the label for the heater box it right behind the radio. If you pop off the trim and slip out the radio you will be looking right at the label. In my case I have a Valeo.

vapore0n · 05-12-2015, 12:48 PM

I think you forgot to type in the question.

JFleming · 05-12-2015, 06:18 PM

I don't have one.

I was just posting some info for anybody trying to do this job in the future to make it a little easier for them. Is that OK? if not just delete the whole thing. I would hate to step out of line here Lieutenant!

JeM9 · 05-12-2015, 06:27 PM

Don't worry, as a Captain I approve your thread. My rank is far more superior than Lieutenant vapore0n, don't mind his ignorance.

Bob Shiftright · 05-12-2015, 07:36 PM

As just a civilian who shifts for himself, I also approve....

Consumer Reports shows black dots under "Climate System" for many BMW models in the out years. This may be a significant problem. From what I have read the Denso evaporators aren't a problem. Unfortunately, I also read that the Valeo and Denso aren't interchangeable.

It looks like some have had success getting BMW to partly cover the repair out of warranty. (Which would be quite unusual from my understanding of BMW NA practices.)

THIS

phubar · 05-12-2015, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFleming

I would hate to step out of line here Lieutenant!

If you only knew the truth about lieutenants...

Anyways good post but might want to fix your title to make it easier to find using the search.

Douche · 05-12-2015, 08:02 PM

Why does the manufacturer matter anyway? Why would I want to know what's in there before replacing it with either manufacturer?

JFleming · 05-13-2015, 08:11 AM

You need to know before ordering a new one because they are not interchangeable.

You would have to replace the whole heater box to switch brands. Much cheaper to stick with what is already in there. I posted this is because I searched a bunch of BMW forums to see if anyone had a quick way of knowing what you had (so you can order parts ahead of time) without tearing out the whole dashboard. As it turns out there is, so I thought it may be helpful to anybody who tackles this job in the future.

Douche · 05-13-2015, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFleming

You need to know before ordering a new one because they are not interchangeable.

You would have to replace the whole heater box to switch brands. Much cheaper to stick with what is already in there. I posted this is because I searched a bunch of BMW forums to see if anyone had a quick way of knowing what you had (so you can order parts ahead of time) without tearing out the whole dashboard. As it turns out there is, so I thought it may be helpful to anybody who tackles this job in the future.

Oh ok. I thought they were the same, different manufacturers (happens a lot). Thanks

woggledog · 05-13-2015, 11:20 AM

Ensure that you have the right one before you embark on this. It's a hideous job, unless, of course, you have no life, then it's actually quite fun.

Good luck

05-11-2015, 07:32 PM	#1
JFleming Private 9 Rep 51 Posts Drives: '10 328i xdrive, '07 Z4 3.0si Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Cleveland OH iTrader: (0)	2010 328i needs a/c evaporator I am putting a new evaporator in my 2010 328i. The problem you may run into is that when you go to order the replacement you are faced with two choices. The factory (randomly?) used either a "Valeo" or a "Denso" brand of heater box which means you have to do some tear down to id what you have before you can order the new evaporator. During the tear down I found the label for the heater box it right behind the radio. If you pop off the trim and slip out the radio you will be looking right at the label. In my case I have a Valeo. Attached Images
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05-12-2015, 12:48 PM	#2
vapore0n Captain 40 Rep 669 Posts Drives: 2010 335i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	I think you forgot to type in the question.
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05-12-2015, 06:18 PM	#3
JFleming Private 9 Rep 51 Posts Drives: '10 328i xdrive, '07 Z4 3.0si Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Cleveland OH iTrader: (0)	I don't have one. I was just posting some info for anybody trying to do this job in the future to make it a little easier for them. Is that OK? if not just delete the whole thing. I would hate to step out of line here Lieutenant!
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05-12-2015, 06:27 PM	#4
JeM9 Major 138 Rep 1,001 Posts Drives: R.I.P. 11 328i AT Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Vista, CA iTrader: (0)	Don't worry, as a Captain I approve your thread. My rank is far more superior than Lieutenant vapore0n, don't mind his ignorance.
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05-12-2015, 07:36 PM	#5
Bob Shiftright Save The Manuals! 64 Rep 491 Posts Drives: E91 Schleppwagen Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: PRNJ iTrader: (0)	As just a civilian who shifts for himself, I also approve.... Consumer Reports shows black dots under "Climate System" for many BMW models in the out years. This may be a significant problem. From what I have read the Denso evaporators aren't a problem. Unfortunately, I also read that the Valeo and Denso aren't interchangeable. It looks like some have had success getting BMW to partly cover the repair out of warranty. (Which would be quite unusual from my understanding of BMW NA practices.) THIS __________________ 2008 E91 36K, 6-speed, RWD, Alpine, Terra, Xenons, ZSP, ZCW, ZPP, PDC, CA, alarm, M shifter and M brake handle, Euro rear fog light switch, Euro aspheric mirrors, rear power outlets, Euro split armrest, Lidatek, remote V-1, Cocomats, beach sand, $10 clutch stop mod. 1998 Volvo V70T5 226K, 5-speed, original clutch (third clutch pedal!), aspheric driver's mirror, E-code headlights, IPD sway bar, strut tower brace & skidplate.
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05-12-2015, 08:02 PM	#7
Douche Banned 466 Rep 1,980 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Location iTrader: (0)	Why does the manufacturer matter anyway? Why would I want to know what's in there before replacing it with either manufacturer?
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05-13-2015, 08:11 AM	#8
JFleming Private 9 Rep 51 Posts Drives: '10 328i xdrive, '07 Z4 3.0si Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Cleveland OH iTrader: (0)	You need to know before ordering a new one because they are not interchangeable. You would have to replace the whole heater box to switch brands. Much cheaper to stick with what is already in there. I posted this is because I searched a bunch of BMW forums to see if anyone had a quick way of knowing what you had (so you can order parts ahead of time) without tearing out the whole dashboard. As it turns out there is, so I thought it may be helpful to anybody who tackles this job in the future.
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05-13-2015, 11:20 AM	#10
woggledog First Lieutenant 28 Rep 321 Posts Drives: 2015 F31 320D Sport Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Surrey iTrader: (0)	Ensure that you have the right one before you embark on this. It's a hideous job, unless, of course, you have no life, then it's actually quite fun. Good luck
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