Ordered all my parts and about to jump into a major gasket overhaul (valve cover gaskets, alternator bracket gasket, vanos o-rings, various gaskets (valvetronic, etc.). Is there any other common issues I should tackle while I have half the engine bay torn apart? Water pump maybe?

 

What is the year and model of your car?

 

Stupid me, typing in a hurry.

2004 545i (N62)

 

Water pump isn't a cheap part $600+ for the part alone. I'd avoid it until it actually goes out, which is usually from 60k-75k miles.

 

Upper timing cover gaskets, A lot of leaks stem from here and blamed on other parts

 

The V8 water pumps are no where near as expensive as the I6s. We have a standard mechanical pump vs. your electric one. I paid $90 for mine. I would replace it, the belts, and the spark plugs while the engine is open...

 

I just replaced the valve seals on my '06 550i at All German Auto (AGA) which has a tool that allows you to replace the seals without removing the thingamagig (head?). You can buy the AGA tool used on this site and Bimmerfest. AGA has posted a You Tube vid on the tool and procedure. Figured I would have it done because it's a common issue on the V8s. (Look for smoke from the exhaust at idle). And the upper timing cover and valve cover gaskets are on the way there. It's tight as a drum now. Just waiting for the coolant pipe to go. 151,000 miles and going strong!!! Love my car.