Heater Matrix - pattern Parts??

[maddagent]

On the way home last night, was a bit cold so turned the heat on then boom - instant steamed up windows and a pretty strong coolant smell in my face.

Pulled over and grasped around at the passenger footwell vents, sure enough its pretty damp in there, guess the matrix has decided its time to spring a leak.

No big deal I thought, I can do the dash out to replace it myself, not that I really want to but it didn't worry me that much, that was before I dropped into the local stealers to price the new matrix: £172

Now, I see the 3rd party versions on the bay for a little as £35 - I'm an OEM parts kinda person but in this case I'm wondering - I wouldn't want to have to replace it gain in 18 months time just cause I went for the cheap option, but its a serious price difference!

So, basically, has anyone any experience of a 3rd party heater matrix? ie fit and durability? (usually the main worry with pattern parts i'd imagine) or failing that, can anyone point me in the right direction for an OEM one at a better price?

Thanks all!

[Nuvo]

I don't know where that price came from as they retail at around 70 pounds inclusive for an OEM from the dealer. It's still quite expensive for what it is mind you.

[maddagent]

Thats what I told they guy - I asked him to double and triple check I was that shocked, guess they just really didn't like the look of me!!

I'm gonna give pete at quattro corner a ring now I think!

[Nuvo]

Hmm. He was looking at the right model wasn't he?

[johne]

Also note that it's the same as the matrix in Audi 80 & 90s so there are lots of secondhand ones out there if you're prepared to take the risk.

Personally, I'd go for a new OEM one from somewhere like ECP or GSF.

John

[maddagent]

Oh the punk had the right part alright - I gave him the part number!!! - 894 819 031A

Then I gave him my VIN in case I was mistaken on the part number - how hard can it be to find a heater matrix in ETKA?? (its that easy a trained monkey could do it)

I'm actually thinking about kicking up a right fuss over this one. I know stealers in general are bad this crowd take the proverbial biscuit. I swear its a Belfast thing This is not the first time they've hit me with a ridiculous price and that "I could care less" attitude in general.

ECP or GSF it is, I've no problems with that. to be fair I'd no intentions of buying it from the dealers, I just wanted to see what kind of silly price they would give me. I must like getting annoyed or something....

[johne]

GSF are quoting £36.50 + VAT on the web but of late I've found their in store prices to be less than their web ones and that's before your 10% S2forum discount.

John

[maddagent]

Cheers for that -

Local ECP are £28.99, just off the phone with them. I'll pop in tomorrow and see if I can pick one up.

I'm off for a few days next week so I've set monday and tuesday aside next week to get the dash out and refitted, got a few other things I may as well tidy up while I'm in there!

I'll take plenty of pictures although I know we're not exactly short of heater matrix how-to guides round here!

Thanks again everyone!

[RAOUL]

I've just ordered one from Pete £45 inc the dreaded plus carriage thanks to Royal Snail! Dont want to tmept fate but got the smell & lightly steamed windows. Now gonna scour the Forum for pics for screw locations for this Saturday's job.

[johne]

@S2central did a good post on getting the dashboard out recently.

John

[RAOUL]

Hi John, yeah found it cheers. Only just got "her" back after 9weeks, gearbox woes! I can see now how people get fed up with them & want to sell up. My patience is wearing thin!

[A80Avant]

heater matrix for the rs2 is hugely expensive.....what is called an evaporator, etka has it for 500+euros!!! (8A1 820 103)

[K Simmonds]

I took a gamble on a brand new £30 eBay matrix, turns out it's a good quality Valco unit and their OE on a lot of VAG cars so I figured that's it's fine.

[RAOUL]

Have you fit it yet?

[Nuvo]

The evaporator is a different beast entirely.