I know the answer, but . . .

[KeeperJones]

==== PARTS LIST BELOW, ANY THOUGHTS? ===


Ok, I am short on time and money, otherwise I wouldn't even ask. My water pump is going to go at anytime and needs to be replaced. The timing belt was changed about a year and a half ago and the car has probably less than 5,000 miles since then. I can get a new water pump locally, but I would have to order anything else. Is it a really bad idea to just change the water pump only?

[StereoInstaller1]

Yeah, it is. You really should not ever re-use a timing belt. A new one is cheap anyway, might as well do the pump/belt/tensioner deal.

[jlevie]

If you have a helper, it is possible to change the pump w/o removing the timing belt. Not easy, but possible.

Given the low cost of a belt kit ($31 from Bimmerworld and perhaps less elsewhere), I'd simply pull the belt when changing the pump. And before doing anything I'd look to see if the cam and?or main seal needs to be replaced. If it does, now would be an ideal time.

[SpecM]

-a t-belt and tensioner kit is about $25 on pelicanparts for both.

[KeeperJones]

-a t-belt and tensioner kit is about $25 on pelicanparts for both.

Yah, ok. I guess when I first looked there the $350 kit threw me a bit. My local repair guy is really good wants $575 to change out everything and then I saw the kit price and I was like ouch. I just sunk a bunch of money into something else and am kind of tapped out for a bit.

Ok, I will let her sit for a bit and order a few things.

[Hallen]

Yah, ok. I guess when I first looked there the $350 kit threw me a bit. My local repair guy is really good wants $575 to change out everything and then I saw the kit price and I was like ouch. I just sunk a bunch of money into something else and am kind of tapped out for a bit.

Ok, I will let her sit for a bit and order a few things.

The $575 is for the amount of labor it takes to do the job. It is not an unreasonable quote, really. You will save a bunch doing it yourself, but pay attention to how it comes apart and make sure you don't mess up the timing. Don't let me scare you, it isn't that hard. So take your time and it will go fine.

[KeeperJones]

Thoughts?

OK, I did know the answer. Below is what I have come up with to this point. I am not sure about which water pump or thermostat to go with, but the water pump listed is the Graff with the metal impellar and the thermostat is the oem version I believe. Going to check the belts and hoses tomorrow, but I think they are in pretty good shape. Any thoughts on changes or additions?

Camshaft Seal Intermediate Shaft Seal 38 X 50 X 7 $5.66

Cam Flange O-Ring (RED) $1.32

Crankshaft Seal Front 48 X 65 X 10 $7.52

Water Pump (Graff 759 w/metal impellar) $57.66

Water Pump Gasket $0.90

CONTITECH Timing Belt Kit $31.24

Thermostat 80 deg. C $19.08

Thermostat O-Ring 60 X 3.5 $1.04

TOTAL $124.42

[325isdan]

Personaly I would change the t-belt if goiing through all that trouble but taking out just the water pump is very easy and you do not need two people to do it.

[KeeperJones]

I agree

I ordered all the stuff above and I am going to change it out this weekend. I got all the stuff shipped for $125 which is a lot cheaper than I expected.

Looking over the DIY info, it doesn't look that bad either. So Bentley and I are going to tackle it this weekend.