[ska///235i]

OP, can you add the two videos from youtube (few post above) to your first page diy?

Not to take credit from you but It might help others with some visuals.

[nukezero]

2 hours 21 mins later, I finally got the water pump and thermostat out. This includes intercooler and fan removal. Those plastic connectors are a BITCH. 3rd 12-pt star screw at the top was also inconvenient. But atlast, it's all out.

I followed BarvarianAuto's video and found it to be very accurate. I still could not fathom how the thermostat could have come out first because to disconnect those hoses, the entire water pump is in your way. This is with me lying on my back. It also helps to have the fan removed but not necessary, it just gives you room to work with.


Taking a lunch break and going to go and put it back in. I took out the intercooler to examine blow-by. It seems there is some oil in there (5 oz) and also some blow-by near the charge-pipe diver-valve. Oil seems to be seeping out a little.

85k miles and no major problems with the car ever. So I'm not sure if this oil blow-by problem is a big problem. Also, noticed that oil pan gasket is starting to have some oil seep as well. The oil pan gasket will probably last me another 20-25k miles tops.

Ah... money money money down this car. 4 more car payments left and I will own this car outright. 5-yr bmw financing.

[Built My Way]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

OP, can you add the two videos from youtube (few post above) to your first page diy?

Not to take credit from you but It might help others with some visuals.

Totally agree with you. I'll get them up ASAP. Thanks

[nukezero]

Want to bring up the issue with the 32mm and 26mm water pump bolts.

Tisher sent me both bolts for the new continental water pump. Upon comparison with the old pump, the 32mm does seem longer when it is inserted into the pump. However, based on Bavarian Auto's install video, he used all three 32mm for the Continental water pump!!????

But I was actually able to use only two 32mm in the front, and the hidden water pump bolt, I had to use the 26mm because I could tell it would have bottomed out if I used the 32mm.

So I don't know how Bavarian Auto was able to use 32mm for the 3rd water pump bolt at the top... if you watch his video, he does this. Also, I thought the 26mm was a bit short because when I compared it to the threads of the old water pump with 32mm, it just seemed a bit short.

[PichaDis11]

Originally Posted by Built My Way

Having a hoist would have made all the difference (ie; better lines of sight and manoeuvrability/leverage) but for me, the order of steps in my DIY just seemed natural. They were based on what I could and couldnt do at a given moment while working in a cramped space.

I decided that I could get better purchase on the thermostat hoses (especially the two, hard to remove spring type plastic connections) while the thermostat was still secured to the pump. Then by removing the thermostat before dropping the pump, I was able to create a void which allowed me to see better the upper pump bolt and the discharge hose clamp. I suppose I could have tried harder to get to the upper pump bolt with the thermostat still in place. But then again I really didnt have any problem slipping the thermostat out between the fan housing and vehicle frame.

Its always good to know that theres more than one way to skin a cat. I hope that anyone doing the install will read through the procedure, watch the video and decide on what route might be best for them based on their working environment.

Well said.

I did this today and it was a painful 5hrs to get out. Yes and I have the N52. I had to get creative with a bunch of tightening the thermostat off and on to get a couple hoses first to clear space for getting to the third WP bolt. In my case I ended taking the Waterpump out first as the coolant reservoir line connection at the thermostat was not budging.

Thanks again for the write up on DIY.

[Built My Way]

Originally Posted by nukezero

Want to bring up the issue with the 32mm and 26mm water pump bolts.

Tisher sent me both bolts for the new continental water pump. Upon comparison with the old pump, the 32mm does seem longer when it is inserted into the pump. However, based on Bavarian Auto's install video, he used all three 32mm for the Continental water pump!!????

But I was actually able to use only two 32mm in the front, and the hidden water pump bolt, I had to use the 26mm because I could tell it would have bottomed out if I used the 32mm.

So I don't know how Bavarian Auto was able to use 32mm for the 3rd water pump bolt at the top... if you watch his video, he does this. Also, I thought the 26mm was a bit short because when I compared it to the threads of the old water pump with 32mm, it just seemed a bit short.

There's a comment from an e90post member that I put in with the DIY preamble whereby he used two 32mm bolts (lower bolting) and recommends cutting an 1/8" off the third (top bolting) so it won't bottom out. I used the 26mm bolts without any problem.

If you look closely, the number on the bag in the Bav Auto vid checks out. They did use 32mm and there's no mention of using a shorter bolt for the third. Looks like he fed the bolt in by touch only and doesn't visually inspect it when it's been tightened. I'll bet anything that their third bolt did bottom out.

[ska///235i]

Maybe they have a 5 series or x3 that all 3 bolts are the same???

[Gmby99]

I actually just finished changing the thermostat and water pump this past weekend, it's definitely doable, although as everybody mentioned that 3rd bolt holding the water pump is a pain in the @ss to reach.

Ended up doing this procedure twice bc I hadn't connected one of the hoses properly, the small quick disconnect one, and so had a noticeable amount of coolant leaking.

1st time it took me 6 hrs, 2nd time 1.5 hrs.



Does anybody know where I can get that metal clip for the quick disconnect hose, as I was trying to install the hose the ciip jumped and I have no idea where it went.
So I used the clip from the hose leading into the coolant reservoir and secured that one with metal wire until I find a replacement.

Any ideas?

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by Gmby99

I actually just finished changing the thermostat and water pump this past weekend, it's definitely doable, although as everybody mentioned that 3rd bolt holding the water pump is a pain in the @ss to reach.

Ended up doing this procedure twice bc I hadn't connected one of the hoses properly, the small quick disconnect one, and so had a noticeable amount of coolant leaking.

1st time it took me 6 hrs, 2nd time 1.5 hrs.



Does anybody know where I can get that metal clip for the quick disconnect hose, as I was trying to install the hose the ciip jumped and I have no idea where it went.
So I used the clip from the hose leading into the coolant reservoir and secured that one with metal wire until I find a replacement.

Any ideas?

If its just a hose clip they have in at your local auto stores (autozone, adv auto, etc)

[Gmby99]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

If its just a hose clip they have in at your local auto stores (autozone, adv auto, etc)

I tried, they don't have them.

Im trying to look it up online under quick disconnect metal clip
but no luck.

[ska///235i]

They are call Hose Clamp
Go steal one from your friends car lol


http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...2@Hose%20Clamp" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.autohausa...se%20Clamp</a>" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://<a href="http...0Clamp</a></a>


Also check ECS

[Gmby99]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

They are call Hose Clamp
Go steal one from your friends car lol


http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...2@Hose%20Clamp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.autohausa...se%20Clamp</a>" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://<a href="http...0Clamp</a></a>


Also check ECS

I looked under clamp but it gives me the metal clamps that you turn the nut to tighten.

here's a link to a photo I found for the
clip im missing. Its that metal u-shape clip at the bottom.


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...1&d=1280728027

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by Gmby99

I looked under clamp but it gives me the metal clamps that you turn the nut to tighten.

here's a link to a photo I found for the
clip im missing. Its that metal u-shape clip at the bottom.


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...1&d=1280728027

Oh those grenade clips...those you might need to go to your dealer

[Built My Way]

Originally Posted by Gmby99

I looked under clamp but it gives me the metal clamps that you turn the nut to tighten.

here's a link to a photo I found for the
clip im missing. Its that metal u-shape clip at the bottom.


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...1&d=1280728027

Maybe this is what you are looking for.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-COOLANT-...7fe70a&vxp=mtr

[Gmby99]

Originally Posted by Built My Way

Maybe this is what you are looking for.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-COOLANT-...7fe70a&vxp=mtr

That's the one!

although $5 seems a bit excessive for one of those things, but I need it so can't complain.


Thanks

[N88888_dawg]

is replacing the thermostat really necessary?

[Built My Way]

Originally Posted by N88888_dawg

is replacing the thermostat really necessary?

It's up to you but you might as well get 'er done while everything's apart under there. Consider it preventive maintenance and it's cheaper in the long run.

[Jklad]

Originally Posted by N88888_dawg

is replacing the thermostat really necessary?

Not if you don't mind getting up close and personal with your car and its fluids allover again for half a day! Just do it!

[N88888_dawg]

Originally Posted by Jklad

Not if you don't mind getting up close and personal with your car and its fluids allover again for half a day! Just do it!

Ooooo. That actually sounds quite enjoyable

[pkdan167]

just finished up replacing the water pump. less than $400 for the pump and screws from BavAuto. Took me less than 5 hours with this site's DIY and BavAuto's videos and also changed my oil. The hardest part was getting the top screw on the pump and putting the new one back in.

Took the car out after putting everything back together. Runs perfectly.

This is definitely doable but can be a PITA without a lift; I used Rhino ramps from Autozone. FYI, I did not replace the thermostat because I neglected to order it with the pump. And I couldn't afford to take another day off work because the car won't go far. I figure I'll get to that when I get a long weekend.

Thanks for the write up! Love this site and the community!

[3.1L Z]

One trick regarding the top water pump bolt:

The large Torx bit requires a 3/8 wobble and extension. When trying to get the top bolt in use a 1/4 10mm with wobble and extension. This fits much easier, give you more room to move around generally more room to work. If you get the bolt in then tighten with the 3/8.
I nudged the pump forward toward the front bumper with a rubber mallet and the top bolt lined up.

Dealer was around $750 for all 3 parts. Bought from Auto Parts Geeks for $450.

[takrdown]

I just replaced the water pump in the car.....works great and the BavAuto DIY helped immensely! Only issue is that when they ask you to remove the power steering line bolts to move them out of the way (item 4 in the drawing below) I stripped the rubber thingy that separates the power steering lines from, I think, the chassis. The bolt (number 4) goes right through this rubber piece and there are two of them.

Can someone tell me what this part number is for the rubber thing? It's not in any drawings I can find.

Thanks a ton!!!


http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...43&hg=32&fg=20

This is a better view...it's the "rubber isolater" he talks about at the 3:10 in this video: