Yeah, I didn't realize those pics were from an E61. But I also didn't realize that the frame had been removed...there's not much room to work there!

I had bought the parts from ECS (pre-assembled pump, thermostat, hose and coolant), so I decided to pay my indi $250 for the job, well worth IMO.

 

$250! That is an amazing deal, I wonder if he regretted it halfway through the job.

 

I'm ordering the parts to try and do it myself. I called a few BMW specialty shops here and they want $1300 to do it. That's just not happening. I have an above average skills when it comes to repairing. My problem is I am never home to do it. So I'll give it a whirl and if injust don't have the energy I'll take it to my hole in the wall indie and have him do it. It books at 5 hours so I'm sure he will do it for $300.

 

If I remember correctly, your turbos are on their way out? You might as well do it all at once. Makes the job much easier. Remove the subframe and do it all at the same time...... At least that's what I did.......

 

You know that crossed my mind. It would make the most sense but I need my car up and running. Perhaps it's time to browse cheap winter cars while I gather parts

 

You can do the job over a weekend. The cost of parts would be less than the cost of a beater........

 

Just dropped my car off at my Indy shop. He charged me book time of 3.5 hours at $60 per hour. Well worth it. It also is reassuring when he was the number three mechanic at the largest dealership for high end cars and regularly services ferraris and lambos.

 

Man, your indies are cheap. Couldn't find any shop around here that charges less than $100/hr. Which is the same as a BMW specialty shop around here.

 

So my car has been at my Indy since Tuesday. He started working on it and 12 hours later he still is t done. Thank god I didn't attempt this at home. He ha broken 2 1/2" ratchets. I guess the top water pump bolt was over torqued and a severe amount of loctite was applied to it. Still no car which sucks but thankful I didn't attempt

 

wow, that doesn't sound like fun, I would've been very frustrated if I had attempted at home as well.