N52 Owners: Elec Water Pump Check-In Part Deux

osmg · 12-03-2015, 04:54 PM

a. 2006 / 330i / manual
b. water pump failed at 87k
c. $460 total for parts (water pump + bolts + thermostat + coolant + shipping), $0 for labor (self installed)
d. Replaced it myself. Slight PITA compared to an E46 but doable.
e. No damage. I pulled over as soon as it overheated, let it cool down, and drove slowly home. When it overheated again, I stopped again. Luckily I was close to home.
f. I don't track my car but I tend to drive it hard.

330xtrai · 12-05-2015, 10:04 AM

a. 2006 330xi auto 111k (bought it at 69k so I don't know if anything happened before)
b. Failed got a yellow heat light then shortly after a red one slowed down stopped at a light then drove very carefully rest of the commute good thing I wasn't too fsr
c. Ended up paying 235 with my aftermarket (gwc) warranty 100 dollar deductible and payed for tstat part since warranty didn't cover it because it didn't cause the problem(I'll get real price once I check the receipt)
d. Indy
e. No other damage thank God
f. Don't track it
Also I think it had leakage from the water pump because when I turned the car on to get it towed the low coolant light came up. I didn't look at the floor under the car as I wanted to get out asap lol

ladius · 12-25-2015, 09:23 PM

I was thinking about changing out the water pump as a preventative measure but decided just to see how long it lasts. Last weekend at 109,870 miles on the clock I got the dreaded thermostat warning light and car going into limp mode. I checked the codes with my obdii reader and saw the telltale codes.

Took it to my regular indy shop for replacement. I'm wondering if its that much cheaper than dealer, I shoulda got a quote from dealer as well. While it was in the shop, a water hose also needed replacement bumping up my parts cost but I did not include it in the breakdown below. Here's my info:

a. year / model / transmission - 2006 330i mt
b. did it actually fail or was this preventive maintenance? - failed
c. how much did the repair cost (and indicate labor vs parts)? - $1,075 (labor $360, parts $715)
d. was it replaced at indy or dealer? - indy shop
e. was there any other damage caused as a result? - no damage
f. do you track your vehicle? - tracked once at BMW event about four years ago

scanspeak · 01-27-2016, 11:56 AM

I wonder if there's a correlation between early pump failure and those living in colder climates where the thermal cycling will be greater. It may be worth posters providing their location.

hassmaschine · 01-27-2016, 12:34 PM

wouldn't it be the opposite? wouldn't the pump have to work harder in a hotter climate?

scanspeak · 01-31-2016, 07:31 AM

Sure the pump would be working harder,
However I'm talking about thermal cycling where the water in the system is going from freezing (in cold climates) to boiling point repeatedly and that may cause the waterpump parts to go brittle and fatigue.

CSBM5 · 01-31-2016, 07:36 AM

It wouldn't be surprising that a large component of degradation is a combination of thermal cycles plus total hours of use -- both of those are likely much better indicators of life cycle than simply "mileage". If an N52 does 50,000 miles of city driving in a very cold climate versus a mild climate car that does 50,000 miles of steady state highway cruising, the results of pump life have the potential to be dramatically different.

The city driven car can potentially have many multiples of hours of operation, perhaps mostly short thermal cycle hours too, compared to the highway driven car.

jan31 · 02-09-2016, 10:01 AM

I think one of the reasons for a prematurely fail of the water pump is the oil filter gasket, let me explain my theory; when the oil filter gasket deteriorates and is left leaking for a while or for a prolonged time little particles of the gasket can get leaked into the water system causing the water pump to fail. I wonder if any of the people here with the water pumps running good for 90k+ miles had changed their leaking gaskets on time?

hassmaschine · 02-09-2016, 11:31 AM

the oil filter gasket has nothing to do with the water pump. it's on the opposite side of the engine, and oil better not be seeping into your coolant system.

besides, it's a rubber gasket - it's not like it's paper or something and bits of it fall off. what really happens is the rubber shrinks and compresses as it ages, which is why it leaks.

mlifxs · 02-09-2016, 11:54 AM

it's hard enough to determine an average failure rate, let alone pinpoint attribution. the number of actual failures (not including preemptive replacement) reported on the forum is pretty small relative to total production of e9x 3-series.

zoppp · 03-06-2016, 04:14 AM

Currently have 110000 miles on my e60 with the n52 engine in it. Water pump has not failed yet but when I did look up the part on RealOEM it said that my car has the "second generation" electric water pump. Any of you know what was changed with the second gen?

lharvey16 · 03-11-2016, 01:08 PM

a. 2007 / x3 3.0si / AT
b. threw one code once, not changed yet
c. bought pump, ts, u pipe and screws $430 from fcpeuro
d. will do myself. hate to toss good components so hesitate
e. so far so good
f. normal

TheTallJS · 03-11-2016, 02:51 PM

325i AT
None
None
None
No issues
No issues
160k miles
03/2005 production date
Drove it like I stole it.
I've always used the blue BMW coolant.
And have changed the oil filter housing gasket due to leakage.

shachlo · 03-13-2016, 02:17 PM

2005 / 330i / manual
None
None
None

True 62k miles on 10 y.o. vehicle - I'm 3rd owner, done 1500 miles revving it to red couple times a week

calicolorado · 03-26-2016, 02:55 AM

157,780mi, original water pump. Drove to Reno and back last weekend from SoCal, ran like it was new.

I bought a new driver armrest and window switch pod because what I had was abnormally worn from when I purchased the car 4 years ago. I also replaced the remaining 3 door pulls as the driver side pull got gummy and soft-what the heck is BMW doing materials-wise?

The interior finally can pass as almost new! the only visible wear being the driver side outboard seat bolster with a bit of minor rubbage. I also exchanged the gearbox fluid (had almost 50K on it) and engine oil (7-8,000 OCI) a few days prior which enlivened the gearbox once again. Might have sold a few people on BMWs during the trip. I have changed the coolant regularly and the suspension is hot shit with only about 20K on it. Bilsteins have a one million mile warranty-I will hold them to that!

BMW-330i · 04-05-2016, 04:07 PM

a. 80k miles, 2006 / 330i / Automatic
b. The ecu showed that it was periodically failing, not a complete fail
c. about £700, including thermostat
d. indy
e. thankfully no
f. only used on the road
____

hassmaschine · 04-07-2016, 02:53 PM

I haven't seen a plastic pump. actually, the *super* cheap ebay pump I got has a plastic impeller, but the body is aluminum.

I believe the Pierberg pump I got last year was all aluminum including the impeller. IIRC the stock pump that failed was too. This is an electronics failure, not mechanical.

Richwm · 04-28-2016, 11:47 AM

a. 2006 330i 6MT
b. preventive maintenance pump and T-stat at 153k.
c. $500+ Pierburg pump, BMW T-Stat and hose from ECS.
d. DIY myself
e. No
f. No

aguyikno · 05-12-2016, 11:10 AM

2006 330i 6mt
135k miles
No codes, never had trouble.

In New England so lots of temp variation, I drive it hard in all weather. Keep up with maintenance and these cars are solid.

NiNeTyOne · 06-02-2016, 12:48 AM

Consider that the coolant is part of the lubrication for the pump and then ask yourself if the better question is, "how frequently do you change your coolant?" Then you can correlate that to pump failure and maybe you have something useful from this poll.

NiNeTyOne · 06-02-2016, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jan31

I think one of the reasons for a prematurely fail of the water pump is the oil filter gasket, let me explain my theory; when the oil filter gasket deteriorates and is left leaking for a while or for a prolonged time little particles of the gasket can get leaked into the water system causing the water pump to fail. I wonder if any of the people here with the water pumps running good for 90k+ miles had changed their leaking gaskets on time?

Wherever you're getting your drugs, it's some good s#it mate.

Willsbma · 06-02-2016, 08:41 AM

91,720 miles
07 328xi 6 MT
No track or auto-x

I got the pump for a steal at ECS and picked up a T-stat at dealer, along with the hose between them, coolant, and new bolts.

Did it myself on ramps in the street, it sucked. Took me about 5 hours start to finish. Totally done as PM, I started making myself paranoid because of this thread lol

Eta: I have NOT changed my OFHG yet. I have the part, just haven't gotten around to it.

View Poll Results: How many miles have you logged, and have you replaced your water pump yet?
Not yet, I have 60-75,000 miles	119	18.71%
Not yet, I have 75-90,000 miles	98	15.41%
Not yet, I have 90-105,000 miles	83	13.05%
Not yet, I have 105-120,000 miles	62	9.75%
Not yet, I'm invincible and have 120,000+ miles	72	11.32%
Yes, between 60-75,000 miles	36	5.66%
Yes, between 75-90,000 miles	49	7.70%
Yes, between 90-105,000 miles	46	7.23%
Yes, between 105-120,000 miles	35	5.50%
Yes, between 120,000 and xxx,xxx miles	36	5.66%
Voters: 636. You may not vote on this poll

12-03-2015, 04:54 PM	#45
osmg Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: SF Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	a. 2006 / 330i / manual b. water pump failed at 87k c. $460 total for parts (water pump + bolts + thermostat + coolant + shipping), $0 for labor (self installed) d. Replaced it myself. Slight PITA compared to an E46 but doable. e. No damage. I pulled over as soon as it overheated, let it cool down, and drove slowly home. When it overheated again, I stopped again. Luckily I was close to home. f. I don't track my car but I tend to drive it hard.
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12-05-2015, 10:04 AM	#46
330xtrai Do you even post BRO? 221 Rep 2,936 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW 330xi [0.00]	a. 2006 330xi auto 111k (bought it at 69k so I don't know if anything happened before) b. Failed got a yellow heat light then shortly after a red one slowed down stopped at a light then drove very carefully rest of the commute good thing I wasn't too fsr c. Ended up paying 235 with my aftermarket (gwc) warranty 100 dollar deductible and payed for tstat part since warranty didn't cover it because it didn't cause the problem(I'll get real price once I check the receipt) d. Indy e. No other damage thank God f. Don't track it Also I think it had leakage from the water pump because when I turned the car on to get it towed the low coolant light came up. I didn't look at the floor under the car as I wanted to get out asap lol
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12-25-2015, 09:23 PM	#47
ladius Private First Class 20 Rep 184 Posts Drives: '06 bmw 330i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I was thinking about changing out the water pump as a preventative measure but decided just to see how long it lasts. Last weekend at 109,870 miles on the clock I got the dreaded thermostat warning light and car going into limp mode. I checked the codes with my obdii reader and saw the telltale codes. Took it to my regular indy shop for replacement. I'm wondering if its that much cheaper than dealer, I shoulda got a quote from dealer as well. While it was in the shop, a water hose also needed replacement bumping up my parts cost but I did not include it in the breakdown below. Here's my info: a. year / model / transmission - 2006 330i mt b. did it actually fail or was this preventive maintenance? - failed c. how much did the repair cost (and indicate labor vs parts)? - $1,075 (labor $360, parts $715) d. was it replaced at indy or dealer? - indy shop e. was there any other damage caused as a result? - no damage f. do you track your vehicle? - tracked once at BMW event about four years ago
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01-27-2016, 11:56 AM	#48
scanspeak Lieutenant 353 Rep 511 Posts Drives: BMW E92 325i 12/2007 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	I wonder if there's a correlation between early pump failure and those living in colder climates where the thermal cycling will be greater. It may be worth posters providing their location.
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01-27-2016, 12:34 PM	#49
hassmaschine Major General 3985 Rep 7,212 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	wouldn't it be the opposite? wouldn't the pump have to work harder in a hotter climate?
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01-31-2016, 07:31 AM	#50
scanspeak Lieutenant 353 Rep 511 Posts Drives: BMW E92 325i 12/2007 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	Sure the pump would be working harder, However I'm talking about thermal cycling where the water in the system is going from freezing (in cold climates) to boiling point repeatedly and that may cause the waterpump parts to go brittle and fatigue.
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01-31-2016, 07:36 AM	#51
CSBM5 Brigadier General 2867 Rep 3,448 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Comp, 2011 M3, etc Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (2)	It wouldn't be surprising that a large component of degradation is a combination of thermal cycles plus total hours of use -- both of those are likely much better indicators of life cycle than simply "mileage". If an N52 does 50,000 miles of city driving in a very cold climate versus a mild climate car that does 50,000 miles of steady state highway cruising, the results of pump life have the potential to be dramatically different. The city driven car can potentially have many multiples of hours of operation, perhaps mostly short thermal cycle hours too, compared to the highway driven car. __________________ Current Stable: 2024 G20 M340i Melbourne Red/Cognac 2019 F87 M2 Competition 6MT, LBB, slicktop, exec pkg 2007 E91 328i Silver, slushbox, Eibach fr/E93 M3 rear sway bars, ARC-8
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02-09-2016, 10:01 AM	#52
jan31 First Lieutenant 37 Rep 332 Posts Drives: 2014 F32 428I Xdrive (N26) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: SA, TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 F32 428I XDRIVE [0.00]	water pump fail theory I think one of the reasons for a prematurely fail of the water pump is the oil filter gasket, let me explain my theory; when the oil filter gasket deteriorates and is left leaking for a while or for a prolonged time little particles of the gasket can get leaked into the water system causing the water pump to fail. I wonder if any of the people here with the water pumps running good for 90k+ miles had changed their leaking gaskets on time? __________________
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02-09-2016, 11:31 AM	#53
hassmaschine Major General 3985 Rep 7,212 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	the oil filter gasket has nothing to do with the water pump. it's on the opposite side of the engine, and oil better not be seeping into your coolant system. besides, it's a rubber gasket - it's not like it's paper or something and bits of it fall off. what really happens is the rubber shrinks and compresses as it ages, which is why it leaks.
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02-09-2016, 11:54 AM	#54
mlifxs Diamond Geezer 220 Rep 2,384 Posts Drives: Jet Black 2007 328i Saloon Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Florida iTrader: (6) Garage List 2016 VW Golf Sportw ... [10.00]	it's hard enough to determine an average failure rate, let alone pinpoint attribution. the number of actual failures (not including preemptive replacement) reported on the forum is pretty small relative to total production of e9x 3-series.
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03-06-2016, 04:14 AM	#55
zoppp Private First Class 45 Rep 133 Posts Drives: 2008 E60 528i Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Georgia iTrader: (0)	Currently have 110000 miles on my e60 with the n52 engine in it. Water pump has not failed yet but when I did look up the part on RealOEM it said that my car has the "second generation" electric water pump. Any of you know what was changed with the second gen?
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03-11-2016, 01:08 PM	#56
lharvey16 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2007 bmw x3 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Corvallis, OR iTrader: (0)	still going a. 2007 / x3 3.0si / AT b. threw one code once, not changed yet c. bought pump, ts, u pipe and screws $430 from fcpeuro d. will do myself. hate to toss good components so hesitate e. so far so good f. normal
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03-11-2016, 02:51 PM	#57
TheTallJS Member 30 Rep 115 Posts Drives: Metallic Black 2006 325i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	325i AT None None None No issues No issues 160k miles 03/2005 production date Drove it like I stole it. I've always used the blue BMW coolant. And have changed the oil filter housing gasket due to leakage. __________________ Fly the BMW. Last edited by TheTallJS; 03-11-2016 at 03:04 PM..
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03-13-2016, 02:17 PM	#58
shachlo New Member 4 Rep 5 Posts Drives: '05 330i Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Prague (EU) iTrader: (0)	2005 / 330i / manual None None None True 62k miles on 10 y.o. vehicle - I'm 3rd owner, done 1500 miles revving it to red couple times a week
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03-26-2016, 02:55 AM	#59
calicolorado Second Lieutenant 165 Rep 275 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Comp 6-spd Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1) Garage List 2015 BMW M5 [10.00] 1972 BMW 200/ [10.00] 2020 BMW X7 40i [10.00]	157,780mi, original water pump. Drove to Reno and back last weekend from SoCal, ran like it was new. I bought a new driver armrest and window switch pod because what I had was abnormally worn from when I purchased the car 4 years ago. I also replaced the remaining 3 door pulls as the driver side pull got gummy and soft-what the heck is BMW doing materials-wise? The interior finally can pass as almost new! the only visible wear being the driver side outboard seat bolster with a bit of minor rubbage. I also exchanged the gearbox fluid (had almost 50K on it) and engine oil (7-8,000 OCI) a few days prior which enlivened the gearbox once again. Might have sold a few people on BMWs during the trip. I have changed the coolant regularly and the suspension is hot shit with only about 20K on it. Bilsteins have a one million mile warranty-I will hold them to that! __________________ 2015 M5 Comp 6-spd manual 1972 2002 2003 Audi TT Coupe 225 2011 Highlander 4WD
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04-05-2016, 04:07 PM	#60
BMW-330i Second Lieutenant 52 Rep 211 Posts Drives: BMW 06 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Cornwall, UK iTrader: (0)	a. 80k miles, 2006 / 330i / Automatic b. The ecu showed that it was periodically failing, not a complete fail c. about £700, including thermostat d. indy e. thankfully no f. only used on the road ____
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04-07-2016, 02:53 PM	#61
hassmaschine Major General 3985 Rep 7,212 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	I haven't seen a plastic pump. actually, the super cheap ebay pump I got has a plastic impeller, but the body is aluminum. I believe the Pierberg pump I got last year was all aluminum including the impeller. IIRC the stock pump that failed was too. This is an electronics failure, not mechanical.
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04-28-2016, 11:47 AM	#62
Richwm Captain 65 Rep 920 Posts Drives: 06 E90 330i 6MT, 01 E46 330i Join Date: May 2006 Location: Canyon Country, CA. iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Jeep JLU Wrangler [0.00] 2006 (Mar 05 build ... [8.00] 2001 330i [9.00]	a. 2006 330i 6MT b. preventive maintenance pump and T-stat at 153k. c. $500+ Pierburg pump, BMW T-Stat and hose from ECS. d. DIY myself e. No f. No __________________ Mar 05 Build date,2006 E90 330i, Sport Package, Premium Package, TR MT-1's . V-1 Hard-wired power with custom V-1 Concealment Display . Rear fogs, Rear power outlet's, M short shifter knob, BlackLines, BMW Strut tower bar, CDV Delete, Front M3 wishbones + tension struts, BMW Performance shocks and springs, BMW Performance Brake kit F&R, OEM short shift kit. Rear M3 Guide rods and Wishbones. 2006 E-90 330i with 302,000 miles. Last edited by Richwm; 04-28-2016 at 12:03 PM..
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05-12-2016, 11:10 AM	#63
aguyikno New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	2006 330i 6mt 135k miles No codes, never had trouble. In New England so lots of temp variation, I drive it hard in all weather. Keep up with maintenance and these cars are solid.
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06-02-2016, 12:48 AM	#64
NiNeTyOne Touring cars rock 351 Rep 907 Posts Drives: e91 330xi / 997 GT3 Cup Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: SEA iTrader: (0)	Consider that the coolant is part of the lubrication for the pump and then ask yourself if the better question is, "how frequently do you change your coolant?" Then you can correlate that to pump failure and maybe you have something useful from this poll. __________________ Sportwagon Daily: I've done some stuff.
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06-02-2016, 08:41 AM	#66
Willsbma First Lieutenant 77 Rep 330 Posts Drives: 07 328xi Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: 11703 iTrader: (0)	91,720 miles 07 328xi 6 MT No track or auto-x I got the pump for a steal at ECS and picked up a T-stat at dealer, along with the hose between them, coolant, and new bolts. Did it myself on ramps in the street, it sucked. Took me about 5 hours start to finish. Totally done as PM, I started making myself paranoid because of this thread lol Eta: I have NOT changed my OFHG yet. I have the part, just haven't gotten around to it.
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