Z3 Roadster (E36/7) Heater inlet pipe and water pipe

Are the plastic heater inlet pipe and water pipe common failure items on a Z3? I can't find a lot of information on the replacement of the 2 pipes, Bentley does not seem to cover this, or I have not been able to find the section in the manual which outlines the repair/replacement proceedure.

Thanks for any info on this subject.

Absolutely. Those break all the time on these cars, and it's quite ugly when they do.

Are there any instructions or other information on the repair? Bentley seems to not cover this topic.

Here is a parts list and DIY:
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18066

Thanks for the information, the link appears to be a 4 cylinder engine, my 1999 Z3 has the 2.5Liter 6 cylinder which has a different expansion tank and intake manifold.

In that case, I believe those are steel pipes, not plastic. The 1.9 engine has two plastic pipes. The 2.5 and 2.8 don't have those.
All plastic pieces in the cooling system are subject to embrittlement and failure: radiator, thermostat cover, water pump pulley, coolant reservoir, etc.

Originally Posted by Blacklane

In that case, I believe those are steel pipes, not plastic. The 1.9 engine has two plastic pipes. The 2.5 and 2.8 don't have those...

Bentley page 170-5 has a photo of the 6's ECT sensor with the heater pipe below it, and the pipe is black.

In RealOEM the 6 looks like it has at least one plastic pipe like the 4: the heater's tap on the block under the intake manifold. There is no second plastic pipe on the rear end of the 6 for the head as on the 4.
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...43&hg=11&fg=35

RealOEM has a photo of this part at that link, and when it's enlarged, it's definitely plastic.