Hey Guys-

Left for a mini vacation, wife took the car out and of course, it starts over heating. So far this is the absolute first and only problem (other than iDrive is quirky) I have had with this car. Performed a search with too many vague results (someone really needs to work on that on this site???) I hear the water pumps on these cars (2008) are problematic, but what else could it be? A sensor? I have not left the car running myself, but I am going off that my wife said the iDrive indicates "Engine over heated, drive moderately" "Stop car immediately, engine over heated" "Do not pop hood etc." So, I fear that the motor is screwed up due to the word "over heated"..... but, I turned it on and although the fan is blazing, the motor sound fine and there is no smoke out the rear. The dealer quoted me $1,250 for a water pump replacement and I believe that includes the thermostat, but I don't know for sure that is the problem. I don't have a code reader much less know how to use one, but if it is the water pump, that's a job I can't do myself.

If any of you can give some input/advice, I would really appreciate it, because $1,250 or a new motor is just not something I'm prepared to take on right now. Thanks

 

Yesterday morning on an attempt to overtake a semi, as soon as my tranny downshifted, the center display greeted me with a red overheated symbol, iDrive told to turn off the vehicle immediately, and I was struggling uphill with about 20 HP. After getting it flat-bedded to the dealer, the SA tells me it must be the electric water pump. A quick diagnosis if you ask me, seeing as how the car was still on the truck. Within 5 hours they had diagnosed and replaced the water pump. Considering how quickly he suspected the water pump and the fact it was the water pump leads me to believe that it's a common failure, and you should replace it.

Replaced Items:
(x1) 11-51-7-588-885 Coolant Pump, Electric:115010
(x3) 11-51-7-602-123 ASA-Bolt:119500
(x1) 82-14-1-467-704 Coolant:832540

I can't help you with pricing (CPO), but you can try searching online for a better deal.

 

I had the same message on I-drive "Engine running hot - drive moderately). One mile further message changed to "Engine overheated - stop " - at that time I could crawl to side of the side of the road, there was no power, no gears just enough to pull to shoulder.I had 85 ooo miles on '08 535 Xi when that happened - rest was rather unpleasant wait for flat bed, 5 deays in shop waiting for new pump. Do not fiddle with it, your pump sounds like is on the last legs, when it fails - you are stranded. Check for obvious as blocked fins in radiator with debris,caved in return hose from radiator to engine, thermostat shut ?

 

Had the same problem! Took it to the stealership and found out its the water pump.

 

Same problem happened to me on my 2007 525i a couple months ago. it happened at 90k miles and same message on my idrive. took it to my mechanic (who works for BMW) and told me it was the Electric water pump. (Electric water pump it self could be up to $500 bucks :/ )I changed my pump, bolts, anti freeze and thermostat since it needs to be removed to get to the water pump. after that was replaced my car is runing like new and no issues what so ever. (would recommend changing the thermostat at the same time since its not as expensive but its up to you.

 

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347412

Heres a DIY hope that helps

 

+1. Just had my pump and thermostat changed at 97,000 miles a few months ago. Seeing a trend here??

 

U should first get it checked out before even thinking of replacing waterpump.
Go to a indy shop and check out the codes.

 

yeah at 50k miles

happened to me last night, left it on the side of the road, came back in the morning and drove it home

didnt overheat but yeah when i popped the hood and opened the reservoir it was hissing and spitting water

sob

 

There is definitely a trend going on here. Same thing happened to me last week. Electric water pump failure. My 08 535i has aprox 79k miles on it. What mileage does yours have at point of water pump failure?