N54 water pump failure (hoping for a recall)
 

Hey everyone, I just wanted to make this thread wondering how many others have low milage issues with their water pumps? Post your issues, complaints, and mileage here.

Today my water pump failed on the highway just before my exit and went into serious limp mode. It slowed down to under 30mph and had no power what so ever (in the middle of an 8 lane highway here in Texas!)
Anyways, to say the least, I am EXTREMELY disappointed in the life span of this water pump because I've had several cars last over 150k miles without any water pump issues.
It even took 18 years and 140,000 miles before the pump broke on my '93 300e (w124).

And the pump broke on my 5 year old 50,700 mile 535i!!? Wtf, this is unacceptable! In my opinion at least.

I called BMW North America immediately when I got home after having it towed by AAA to my own mechanics shop, I refuse to give BMW any business for such issues. Of course there is nothing they are willing to do about it despite the fact many others have the same issue.

N54 water pump failure. - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum - E90Post.com

https://5series.net/forums/e60-discu...-108565/page3/

Water Pump Failure, 2007 328i - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Seems like the n54's have a shorter water pump life probably because most n54 drivers naturally drive their cars harder, and the turbos just add to engine heat.
Those are just some threads, if you look up water pump issues you can find a plethora of seperate threads with similar complaints.

These stupid water pumps use a plastic impeller which is ridiculous. Plenty of other cars in the past have had similar short-lived water pumps because they refuse to use metal impellers. :angry:
The fact that BMW would use a plastic impeller despite many previous issues is a concern to me. Very possibly the last BMW I buy. So far I've been more satisfied with my 20 year old benz than my 535i. (reliability wise)


Please BMW, open your eyes and notice how many people have issues with these dumb plastic water pumps. For over a $50,000 MSRP I expect a lot more. :please:

Mine made it to 85000 actually not too bad. I would agree, 50k seems low but go but an american car and you wont get a warranty like bmw has. What got me was the damn cost at the dealer to install it or even an Indy shop. Minimum is about 1000.000. Pump alone is 650.00

a BMW water pump failure between 50K - 60K miles?!?!?

what. a. shock.

In all seriousness, sorry this happened to you. replacing water pumps at 50K as a preventative measure have been part of BMW ownership since, well, forever. The plastic impeller has been a problem since 1990 (google 'M50 plastic impeller). You think they'd learn their lesson by now. I'd be surprised if you got anywhere with BMW on this.

750
 

Both my 99 & 90 750 water pumps lasted 150k before starting to go.

My old e34 525 had a plastic impeller that chunked at about 90k and had a plastic impeller and the new replacement pump had a metal impeller. On the 535 the pump is electric. On the new F85 x5 M, there are FOUR. Electric pumps!

Well I plan to get somewhere with BMW on this. I've had plenty of other cars go 150k+ miles without water pump issues.
Considering the engine runs incredibly too hot without the pump it is unacceptable that it is such a common issue and so many people must have their cars towed to have it replaced.

Luckily I have AAA so they tow for free but for those people that don't have AAA, they must pay a towing charge + over $1,000 for replacement!

The fact that BMW refuses to change to a higher quality pump shows their true intentions; they care more about making a profit than they do about building a quality car. When buying a car, I would like to purchase from a company who finds the right balance of building quality stuff and making a profit.
My point is, BMW could easily fit in higher quality pumps for less than $50 extra on each car...but they would rather make that extra $50 than to provide a quality car.

My next european car will certainly be a Mercedes or an Audi. I'm done with BMW after this experience unless I finally reach hold of somebody who actually cares.

Well BMW is not known for good reliability, I have 530i with 62,000 miles and already had few common issues like passenger restrain system failure, rough start/idling, and steering angle sensor failure. My previous 2000 X5 4.4i had transmission failure at 98K, I paid close to $2500 to fix it. Shortly after that a friend of mine had transmission failure at 68K on his 2002 X5 4.4i. That was very common issue with ZF transmission in V8 X5’s along with tons of other smaller issues that I experienced with mine X5 like O2 sensor failure, MAF sensors failure, oil leaks, gas tank leak etc.

BTW,
BMW had a lot of issues with electric water pumps since they introduced N52 engine 8-years ago, so it seems that N54 inherited those issues...

mine just went out at 67K, three weeks out of warrenty(CPO), the dealer did a good will fix.

Curious if you purchased the car new or used? When you talk to BMW the know this if you provide the vin. If you are the original owner then you might have a slim chance, if not, then they have made nothing from you buying it second hand and this point I would say your chances are a negative zero. Maybe sell it an go buy that Mercedes, I'm sure you will be happier.