Has anyone here replaced a w123 heater core? Before my new heater core from ebay.de arrives I'd like to hear from someone who's taken the plunge.

Section 83-100 of the FSM has you removing the center console and extracting the heater box without taking out the dashboard. I'd like to limit the number of plastic parts I break so I'll try that method first.

I've already tried circulating hot radiator stop-leak through the heater core of my 82 240d, which reduced the antifreeze odor and window fogging but didn't seal the leak completely.

The golden standard post on the subject...

Order for installing evap box in a W123.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

wasnt aware the heater core was accessible without pulling the dash.
please do keep us informed of the process.

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1981 NA 300D 310k miles

Now I'm not so sure the stop-leak wasn't effective - the window fogging is gone and there is less coolant smell each time I drive it - I'll have to pressure test the cooling system to see if the heater core still leaks.