coolant smell and steam fogging windows when heats on

So the other week I was driving and had my heat on I turned it off and was in. Park at the gas station and I noticed steam coming up from the vents near the winsheild it soon stopped I drove home and nothing after 2 days the steam came back with the coolant smell and it fogs up my winsheild anyone experience this? Doesn't happen if the heat is turned off

Welcome to the 'Fest!

sounds like an issue with the heater core. possible a blockage or leak.

As I drive to work just now I got there and the steam was coming throigh the vents without the heat on but I didnt smell anything

My Volvo 940 Turbo did that. was a cracked heater core. it may or may not be blocked, and that may be the root of the problem, but the steam can only appear because its escaping from the system somewhere via a crack or other loose connection/hose etc.

MAKE SURE THE COOLANT LEVEL IS ALWAYS TOPPED UP WHILE YOU WAIT TO DO THE REPAIR
I cannot stress that enough. if coolant is leaking, the level will go low and the engine will overheat, which is terminal for these E34s

heater core

Ah thank you both for your responses is my only option to replace it?

Yes, replace it. And welcome to the fest...

Originally Posted by cobain34

Ah thank you both for your responses is my only option to replace it?

most high milage BMW's i buy.. 160-220k have the heater core bi passed already!

all you need is a small rubber hose, autozone actually carries hoses just for this!

if you can live with out the heater, do not want to rip the dash apart or just wanna save time + money.. BI PASS IT..

3$ & 10 minutes of work your steam problem its gone, and you can still do the heater core later or have done when the time is right.. Both seasonally & financially



with cars, we are very rarely left with 1 option..

the bi-pass is typically done in the engine bay, behind the motor on the fire wall.. there should be an inlet and out let to bend a hose in a U shape and connect the two.. tighten hose clamps and you are done!