benjihana

Hey guys,

Recently received an overheat warning on my iDrive (thanks for the lack of gauges, BMW!) - pulled over immediately - towed to my buddy who is a tech at a dealer who diagnosed for me for $50 that I had a faulty electric water pump. I want to replace both the water pump and the thermostat. I can't find a water pump ANYWHERE besides the super-expensive BMW part version - I am a new owner, is this normal? I see water pumps for the prior generation (belt-driven, not electric) from third party dealers, and much cheaper. Would I have any luck looking at junkyards/salvage vehicles for this part? All I need is the pump - the thermostat I'll buy from the dealer, as it's not super expensive (~$100).

The friend is offering to get me the water pump for $300, the thermostat for $100, and fix them for $400 for a total of $800. This is a heavy chunk of change for me to swallow considering I've replaced water pumps and thermostats on other vehicles for nowhere near this amount of labor. Does anyone have any insight as to whether this is a terribly high labor charge for the work completed and if the parts are possible to find elsewhere?

twh

I don't know about the labor charge, but you aren't going to find that pump for less than $300. List price is like $490.

benjihana

Yeah, I thought so on the pump - was hoping to locate a salvaged or junkyard BMW and pick the piece off of that.

twh

My $0.02...

If the labor was $50, maybe that would make sense if you are tight on cash. But, since the labor is so much anyway, I wouldn't mess around with a junkyard part and take the chance for another $400 labor bill.

v_therussian

I concur.

benjihana

Your logic is going to defy mine again. Damn you people using rational thinking! Anyhow, now my issue is this:

I'm going to call around to various recommended BMW repair shops and see what they think they could do it for, and see if I can swing the parts at those prices from him if I don't get him to do the labor (doubt it, but I'll try with some tact - he's a really nice guy). If their estimates are in-line with his or even slightly below, I'll probably end up with him to support the friend.

Anyhow, I am above-average proficient with automobiles, but given the relative lack of service manuals or technical data that I've been able to find, it's making the other option: potentially fixing the water pump and thermostat myself, a lot more difficult. Does anyone have any experience with the engine cooling systems (particularly these two bits of it) on these cars? If they are accessible, or I could even locate them, I'd be able to determine whether or not a personal fix is something achievable.

v_therussian

While I can't exactly offer you any technical instructions on DYI'ing the water pump and thermostat, I don't think it is the end of the world to do it yourself. As long as you don't mess more stuff up than you were trying to fix in the first place.

For parts: Search the forum for vendor Garry Romani's information - he provides a standing 25% discount to forum members, so you may be able to score a deal.

Again, I'd not use used parts and definitely make sure that you know what you're doing before you "go into surgery". Just stay calm and keep using that rational thinking and you'll be

jagbagri

Where are you located and How may miles on the car? Just curious as I also own a N52 2006 530i with 51000 miles and wondering if I should be concerned about this at this mileage?

thanks

968turboS

This has to be one of the easiest jobs to do on a E60 N52. With the belt driven waterpumps, you needed to remove the radiator fan, all the accessory belts, the pulley and only then would you be able to get the waterpump out. Why not just do it yourself? It would be much easier and cheaper. Get the parts at the discounted price and take a crack at it.
The waterpump is on the bottom, on the right side of the engine block on the passenger side. I expect it to be mounted by a couple of mounts and there are snap hoses attached. I would say no more than 1 hr work.
Good luck.
Raj

skunkd

hey, just the belt on my m5 was 640 for the water pump belt and install. i'd say 800 isnt terrible these cars are expensive to maintain.