Another Water Pump Down

[PrematureApex]

2008 135, 61k miles.

Started the car this (cold) morning at 4:00 AM, fan immediately went to full blast, my heart sank of what I suspected was the dreaded water pump failure.

Did about 20 minutes worth of driving (highway, city etc.)...car not building consistent boost, certainly down on power, but not showing signs of overheating.

Pulled codes: 2E82...water pump over-current IIRC.

Figured it was the pump, and had the day off, so I sourced the pump, t-stat and bolts (albeit the wrong, longer ones) at a local dealer for ~$685. More than online, but really wanted to finish today.

I decided to chance the 8 mile drive to the dealer, and 5 mile drive to the garage I was going to work out. Sure as %$&@, the car went into limp on the highway, leaving me in the left lane going 10 mph with traffic doing 80....not a good time getting over/off.

Seriously BMW, I appreciate the oil temp gauge, but give me water too. Is it really that expensive? You tell me the water temp is too hot, 10 seconds before you shut the car off. Thanks a pantload.

Anyway, managed to get it off the highway, cooled down, and drove city streets to my destination (never over heated driving in this manner for almost 6 miles).

To my surprise, the job was really as tedious and bad as people say. So close...right in front of your face, yet, such a PITA to get to all the clamps, remove all the hoses, etc. Ugg. Probably 3 hours to get the t-stat/pump out, and an hour to get it in.

I think the packaging was repayment by the Germans for WWII.

If I'm honest, I couldn't get the third (top) water pump bolt to start. I was out of daylight, and patience, so I skipped it (I'll give it another shot another night).

So now I have a new water pump held in by 2/3 bolts. But, you know what they say...2/3 ain't bad.

Car is back on the road...and I'm tired, cold, soaking wet in coolant, etc.

And, while I know BMW coolant utilizes only the finest baby seal piss...I resorted to using a name-brand labeled "for use in all vehicles to replace 'all colors' of coolant." Seems legit. I may flush it later with the seal piss...but I'll report any ill effects of not running the blue magic regardless of what I decide.

Sorry for the rant, it's been a very, very long day.

[Dackelone]

Thanks for posting. I kind of like your sense of humor in all of this.

[Chris.]

Sorry for your issues

It seems the water pumps are failing more consistently in colder weather

[SixBanger]

Yep, They sure will take a dump on you when you least expect it.

[GMD]

Getting mine changed out tomorrow.. I'm at 56k and really don't feel like being stranded.

[PrematureApex]

Originally Posted by GMD

Getting mine changed out tomorrow.. I'm at 56k and really don't feel like being stranded.

Not a bad call.

I edited my initial post for language, sorry. I'm used to riding the swear filters on other forums...and I was in a bit of a mood last night.

Anyway, overall not an impossible job. Not a lot of strength required (except for popping off those snap-connectors. You just need patience, a bit of creativity reaching clamps, etc. More tedious than anything. It's right in front of you and really shouldn't take more time than it does. Second time around would certainly be MUCH faster.

One note, I was not able to physically get the t-stat out (or not willing to put in too much time into it) with the pump still in. I got it fully detached and floating up there, and then brought it out with the water pump.

I'd say you're like 60-70% home once you do get the t-stat fully loose, as the water pump is relatively easy after that, and the reinstall (sans the mostly blind third bolt) leaves you a lot more freedom as far as order of operations, aligning clamps, etc.

[sparky1_2007]

not looking forward to this happening on my car - 08 w/ 55k miles.

are the newer parts more reliable? or about the same?

[PrematureApex]

Originally Posted by sparky1_2007

not looking forward to this happening on my car - 08 w/ 55k miles.

are the newer parts more reliable? or about the same?

I think the new water pump is solid.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by sparky1_2007

not looking forward to this happening on my car - 08 w/ 55k miles.

are the newer parts more reliable? or about the same?

Looking at the failure data... it looks like BMW must have changed the design of the pump, bc on later model cars the failure rate is much lower than on 2008 and 2009 cars.


e8x electric waterpump failure poll...
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...=798195&page=5