N54 Water pump died... what other mods while I'm repairing?

[Flot]

48,135 miles - my N54 water pump dies on the way home.

I will probably DIY - for those of you who have done it - are there any mods or other preventave maint I should be doing while I'm in there? IE what is easier to get to while I am getting to the water pump?

Off to research... sigh.

[angrybaker]

The thermostat...it's actually attached. But since the pump is electric and not driven by a belt, there is not much to typically change besides the pump/stat. At least in all the DIY no one mentions doing any other work when the pump craps out.

[jturboawd]

Some say it's a pita, i didn't think it was to hard. I didn't remove downpipes and just moved steering rack out of the way temporarily. It can all be done under car, 4-5 hours taking time. You should change pump, tstat, hoses, and clamps. There is a turner kit that sells everything. It's actually nice the car primes it for you when your done.

There are some really good write ups already. I installed a bmw ssk yesterday and it's almost as difficult as the water pump.

[Freon]

Mine just died a few months back, almost the exact same mileage.

You will definitely want to change the thermostat while you are at it. It seems service calls for new mounting bolts for the water pump as well, and for about $3-4 (out of ~$450) it seems not worth tempting fate.

I posted my experience here:
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1021604

This is a great DIY video and covers everything you need to do if you DIY it:

The top bolt is the hardest par. Some of the hoses that use the ring clips to secure are also tricky. The rest isn't too bad.

I bought my parts from ECS Tuning, but Bavauto also has good prices. ECS was able to ship faster (they're only ~100 miles away from me), and I've had great experience with many parts orders from them.

[Flot]

Hey guys - thanks for the comments - I guess my big question is, since this all has to happen from /underneath/ the car ... does anything else get in the way of the waterpump/thermostat install?

IE - intercooler / downpipes - are either of these "in the way" or easier to get to one of these things if the other wasn't there - or is it all just a pain in the neck to access?

[Dackelone]

You will need a new water pump and thermostat. Also replace the bolts for the water pump housing since they are alu and are a once time use. Have plenty of 1/4 sockets and extensions around and plenty of patients.

[lowbudgethero]

you could always try for a lower temp thermostat if something like that appeals to you

[Freon]

Swaybar and of course the tray both get in the way. That's really it.