Water Pump

[mph]

The water pump in my 325ix is going bad. The coolant level is down and its doing the same thing my 325ic did last winter, about this time of year. The waterpump sounds to have failing bearings, just like my 325ic and the heat blows cooler when the car is idling than it does when its moving. Also, the water temp goes up when it idles.

Here's my question:
Why is it that I've had to replace the waterpump on two different low mileage e30's the first winter I have them for?

My 325ix jusy rolled over 64k and I wouldn't think it would need to have the water pump replaced so soon.

Anyone have any ideas?

[Jon325i]

Well the T-belts should be changed at 60K mile intervals....have you done this yet? Its a good idea to think about replacing a few things while you're at it since everything has to come apart. I know some E30-gurus who will change out the H2O pump, tensioner, thermostat and auxilary belts when its time for a t-belt change. It may sound like its nickle-diming you....but like I said, you will be taking things apart anyway....might as well do it while your hands are dirty.

Besides, a M20B25 waterpump is relatively inexpensive (< $40) at most vendors. Cheap insurance to ensure your motor stays cool. I've got to do this for my ride soon....and I plan on addressing a number of things as preventative maintenance.

Jon

[nando]

replace it, do the timing belt.. it's not any harder on the ix.

[bmwannabe]

how long does this job take, and is it easy to do the T belt without the bentley? I assume there is a write up somewhere.

[JeremyB]

It will take 4-5 hours the first time you do it. Its a bit harder than say changing brake pads, but its not terribly difficult. Just make sure to properly line up your timing marks before taking everything off.

If you are taking off the timing belt, do yourself a big favor and replace the tensioner and water pump. Its simply just good preventative maintenance.

[e30Matt]

It will take 4-5 hours the first time you do it. Its a bit harder than say changing brake pads, but its not terribly difficult. Just make sure to properly line up your timing marks before taking everything off.

If you are taking off the timing belt, do yourself a big favor and replace the tensioner and water pump. Its simply just good preventative maintenance.

If yoi've never installed a water pump, you sure as hell shouldn't be setting your timing.

Pay a shop to do it if you don't have the proper tools or experience to do this. Setting timing is not necessarily a "Consult the Bentley and DIY it" task, it takes a little knowledge to do.