Water pump feedback
12-30-2012, 06:53 PM
#1
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My Ride: 545i
Water pump feedback
Just wondering if anyone can give me some feedback (positive or negative) with mechanical water pumps. Mainly 545i and 550i. Its time for me to change and I have a few options.
Listed according to price.
OEM - Plastic impeller
Graf - Metal impeller - 12 month 12,000 mile warranty
Beck / Arnley - Metal impeller, heavy duty bearings - 36 month 50,000 mile warranty
I've heard of aftermarket water pumps failing prematurely and also lasting without problems.
Listed according to price.
OEM - Plastic impeller
Graf - Metal impeller - 12 month 12,000 mile warranty
Beck / Arnley - Metal impeller, heavy duty bearings - 36 month 50,000 mile warranty
I've heard of aftermarket water pumps failing prematurely and also lasting without problems.
12-30-2012, 07:49 PM
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I did the water pump in my 545i this past summer after my alternator began to fail. Many of the same things need to be removed and I was running the original pump and thermostat at 84K miles so I figured it was a convenient time for PM.
I chose the Beck & Arnley water pump and thermostat. Everything was fine for a week and then I got a dash light. I tracked the code down to the thermostat. The thermostat heater coil had burned open (normally measures 16 ohms resistance across two conductors on connector in thermostat). I replaced the thermostat with the OE Wahler unit and it hasn't made a peep in five months.
I can recommend the B&A water pump but I would stay away from their thermostat.
I chose the Beck & Arnley water pump and thermostat. Everything was fine for a week and then I got a dash light. I tracked the code down to the thermostat. The thermostat heater coil had burned open (normally measures 16 ohms resistance across two conductors on connector in thermostat). I replaced the thermostat with the OE Wahler unit and it hasn't made a peep in five months.
I can recommend the B&A water pump but I would stay away from their thermostat.
12-30-2012, 11:32 PM
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My Ride: Jet Black '05 545i, Sport/Premium Pkg, Steptronic, Adaptive Xenon, Nav, L7, Blue2th, PDC,
I replaced my water pump (545) two summers ago with an OEM with roughly 67k miles. I would have gone with a non OEM and ordered it online but I needed to be up and running fast. Some warranties offered on non OEM were even better than OEM and the prices could not be beat.
I'd recommend replacing the thermostat while you're at it because it attaches directly onto the housing of water pump. In regards to the impeller, in my opinion the material of it should be a non issue. Very rarely if at all do the impeller (metal or plastic) fail. What commonly fails are the bearings. When the bearings go bad the impeller shaft is not held securely in place. Loud "clapping" noises will progressively get worst when the bearings are shot. I'd personally choose the one with the best warranty (and with heavy duty bearings). Good luck
I'd recommend replacing the thermostat while you're at it because it attaches directly onto the housing of water pump. In regards to the impeller, in my opinion the material of it should be a non issue. Very rarely if at all do the impeller (metal or plastic) fail. What commonly fails are the bearings. When the bearings go bad the impeller shaft is not held securely in place. Loud "clapping" noises will progressively get worst when the bearings are shot. I'd personally choose the one with the best warranty (and with heavy duty bearings). Good luck
12-31-2012, 07:27 AM
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Yeah, I'm leaning towards the Beck / Arnley water pump. I will definitely use an OEM thermostat though. Thanks for the feedback.
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