Why is this heater valve hose for the 535i $51.75

[Derek A.]

I am going to do a complete hose change on my car. I see this part number
64 21 1 384 711 - I have it in the car - does not look like the picture as its just a hose - what is the thing shown in the middle ?

http://catimages2.sophio.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/imc/images/full/64211391766.jpg

[uscharalph]

The PO had changed all the heater hoses on my car about 8,000 miles before I got it. That's what the shop charge them for that hose. I'm sure it could be had for less. That's what mine looks like, but I don't know what the thing in the middle does.

[George Davis]

The thing in the middle is a bleeder valve. Got a new hose for my '94 525i with it, I guess it might help with filling/bleeding. You can probably use another hose if you don't want to get this thing.

[Kalevera]

That's an auxiliary bleed valve; supposed to make the M30 easier to bleed of air. BUT! doing the procedure correctly eliminates the need. The M30 is actually not that hard to bleed if all of the elements of the cooling system are operating as they should be.


best, whit

[winfred]

i don't know what the hell that thing is, never seen it on all of the e32/34s i've stripped, looks like some kind of splice or renforcment

[Derek A.]

The hose that is on the car has that part number - but it doesn't have that extar valve on it. I found an alternate part number for a hose that is like $8.00 - Is the LH side Radiator to Valve hose that I am looking for.

[Kalevera]

Yeah, I've never seen one in person, either. That's what Patrick told me when I asked him about it, so I assume it's a CRP/OCAP/other non-BMW part innovation.


best, whit