BimmerFan52

I wasn't suggesting that most of the work be done under the car while doing the water pump and thermostat. In fact the only time I was under the car was to drain the coolant, work on some of the lower hose connections and work on the AC belt.

All of the actual work removing parts including the air intake ducting, fan, water pump and thermostat, and reinstalling them was done from above.

Stand at your car, bend over and with both hands touch the harmonic balancer (the point at which the serpentine belt is driven). If your back will be comfortable in this position for extended periods of time then no need to put the car on jack stands. Now imaging the car raising up 10-12". If your back is in a more comfortable position and you can still reach over the front of the car to touch everything then raise the car.

The choice certainly also depends upon your age. Those of us with greying hair need every ergonomic advantage we can get!

E60I

All I want for Christmas is a car lift.

...or a one year membership for full body massages. lol

blueswede

The N52 engine is equiped with an electrical water pump. Both the water pump and thermostat are mounted together down under the exhaust manifold. Haven't changed mine yet but from what I hear best way to tackle it is from underneath.

BimmerFan52

I really wasn't paying attention in the thread to who is driving what.
I can only speak to the N62.

BimmerFan52

Amen to that bro!

E60I

I replaced the belt tensioner, pulley, belt and coolant reservoir today. It took me about four hours because I took my time to clean the front part of the engine and everything else Simple Green, water and a plastic bristle brush could reach. The front and driver side (I changed the starter about two weeks ago) of the engine is looking spotless now. ;-)

It was a struggle to disconnect the water hoses from the reservoir. I couldn't even put a flat screw driver to pry them out! I don't know which, but cuzzing and praying did the trick.

The serpentine belt look like they can last another 82,000 miles (no cracks, what so ever). The belt tensioner did sound like it is rubbing against sandpaper when I rolled it with my hand. And the pulley did a little bit of that, but in better shape than the belt tensioner. Over all, I think they can all last at least another 30,000 miles if I don't replace them.

My struggle with the hoses for the coolant reservoir is making me hesitant to mess with the water pump and thermostat. As of now, I am thinking about gift wrapping them for Christmas 2014. Now that I got the broken measuring stick off the old coolant reservoir, I think it can also last at least another 30,000 miles. I can't see how it can crack or explode like some people mentioned.

Oh...I ordered all the aforementioned parts from RMeuropean.com and received them in two days. Very impressed with delivery!!!

pcy

Deteriorated measuring stick was an example of how the plastic [reservoir] can deteriorate [due to heat and age] and have a hairline crack on the bottom.

Given the relative easy access, not-so-expensive, and the importance of coolant, IMHO it's prudent to replace the reservoir once the car reaches around 80K miles.

Yea, RMeuropean is good. I've been buying parts from them along with AutoHausAZ for many years.

A B Able Truck

Since buying my wife a BMW, I came to realize that I may need to join AAA for towing. I also thought that I would need a lift if I were to do my own repairs. I'm also working on my 3 kids and relatives cars on a regular basis.

This was the justification to my wife when she came home and saw a $4,000 car trailer with a removable center section in the driveway. I can now tow & work under the cars.

E60I

I also have AAA, but they only covered up to 7 miles a few weeks ago. I might have to upgrade my coverage. lol

You bought a mobil car lifter for Christmas? How cool is that! Show us a link or pictures.

ncsugrad2006

In my area there are three levels of coverage.. the 7 miles of towing, 100 miles and 200 miles I believe it was.. I got the 100 mile one