Which brand of water pump to buy?

[Rosica]

I am ordering a bunch of new parts through BMWParts, there are three different brands of water pumps, GMB ($42), GRAF ($50), and HEPU ($52). Which is best, I really don’t care about the money, just want a good one that won’t be a bitch to install. Obviously I will get the cheapest of no one has an opinion.

[Jordan]

Order from BMA!

Graf is your friend.

[Rosica]

Order from BMA!

Graf is your friend.

I ment BMAParts, I spent 400+ there in the last 2 weeks, service & prices are great.

[e304lyfe]

i'd suggest getting original bmw... eurasian has it for $52.95.. i was happier w/ the look of this pump, over the OE one i pulled off my car. cause it looks better, does that mean it works better or will last longer? ....no, not saying that. but you cant go wrong w/ original bmw, and its a buck more then those three pumps you mentioned.

[atmh]

dude, they are all gonna be a bitch to install. I just did one on my car a few days ago, there are a few things you might want to know:

I do not remember the exact order I put the bolts in, but what I would suggest doing first of all is to put gasket sealer on the pump, then put the gasket on so it sticks to the pump. Then I think you can get the lower left bolt in the easiest, put that in, then put the other two in but do not tighten them. Then, put the timing belt tensioner spring on. I THINK it can be put on with the bolts lose, but definatly not with them tight (trust me, I tried, it didn't work) I MIGHT be wrong on having all 3 bolts in, but I know you can have at least one in. Just don't try to put the timing belt tensioner spring on AND bolt the water pump in at the same time, that is an exercise in futility. Also make for damn sure that the gasket is in the right place, the first time I put the water pump in, I missed the gasket with the bolt that is closest to the timing belt tensioner pully, and it leaked REAL good. I didn't find out until after I had the whole entire cooling system in, so I had to take it all out and put it all back together. Also, you may want to consider changing the timing belt while your in there as the cooling system and water pump are the two biggest reasons NOT to change the timing belt more often than necissairy.

All this is of course assuming the i motor is similar to the e, and I believe the bently book instructions are the same for both, so I think it should be at least close enough. Good luck, it took me about 2 hours the second time around. (removing everything and putting it all back together) I also had the hood off because I just put a new engine in my car, that helped quite a bit for access...I cant imagine trying to line those bolts up without the hood off...real pain in the ass...I would suggest if you take the hood off, and if you do it by yourself leave the hinge assembly attached to the car. I took the hinge out with the hood, and it was a pain to get it back together without someone else there...I do not know how hard it would be to do it the other way, just a guess. also the other way has the adjustment. But your prolly not gonna remove the hood, so its not really an issue :)

[Jordan]

dude, they are all gonna be a bitch to install.

Only if you have no idea what you are doing...

You might find it to be alot easier to spend 5 minuites removing the radiator and grills.

[Axxe]

dude, they are all gonna be a bitch to install.

Only if you have no idea what you are doing...

You might find it to be alot easier to spend 5 minuites removing the radiator and grills.

Removing the radiator makes it a lot easier, but even with it in, replacing the water pump is a piece of cake. Just take your time.

[atmh]

I'm gonna have to admit, it was a lot easier the second time :)

I made the assumption that it is gonna be his first time installing a water pump. I had a hard time installing mine the first time, and I messed up the gasket. Just trying to give some pointers to make it easier. Definatly remove the radiator and such, that doesn't take long at all and you have to drain the coolant anyway.