Heater core & Recall - expert opinions welcome...

[genphreak]

Hey all,

Just did a search of the NHTSA database. It listed the following recall carried out on e34s which requires replacement of the radiator cap. Now I know this was done on my car, and am glad to confirm that there are no other recall notices in there. But given that I have to replace the heater core, is this possibly symptomatic of the previous cap generating too high a cooling system pressure?

It is clear that a lot of other people around the world have had to replace heater cores on their e32s and 34s. Is there case enough to be made for BMW to be providing cheap or even free cores to us or is it too long a bow to draw, ie could the cores really be naturally wearing out (ie is this even possible if the coolant has been regularly changed?).

Cheers! Nick

PS. What is the pressure of the cooling system before and after this recall anyway? Is the Bently correct on this issue?

BTW; Here's what the recall notice says-

Make : BMW Model : 535I Year : 1989 Manufacturer : BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 98V178000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 03, 1998 Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Potential Number Of Units Affected : 340000 Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR. Consequence:
IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT. Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING. Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).