3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
Specific models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318iS/ti, BMW 320, BMW 323, BMW 320, BMW 324, BMW 325, BMW 328.
BimmerWerkz.com is the premier BMW Forum on the internet. Registered Users do not see the above ads.
So I've been looking around another forum and everyone is now recommending installing a new design of the water pump with a composite impeller.
I guess they are being installed in the E36 from 2001 onwards. The metal impeller pumps have had bearing failures (perhaps because of the additional strain on the bearing due to the increased mass of the impeller). The reported bearing failures aren't on the same scale as the plastic impeller meltdowns - but some have reported bearing failure on the metal impeller type at 20k miles.
They're about $10 more than the metal type and the only places I've found them are www.eap4parts.com and the stealership (marked up to over $100 of course). I just bought it a second ago to replace the one in my newly purchased 325.
I think the bearing failure is less of a concern though - as you'll be able to hear it coming). As opposed to the plastic impeller melting down without warning.
Originally posted by Brian325i@Oct 26 2004, 03:09 PM I thought the composite water pumps WERE the plastic water pumps...
[snapback]219033[/snapback]
No - two different kinds. It is a sort of plastic composite though - check out the site, the only OEM replacement they show is the composite one.
Not sure why BMW can't just design a water pump that lasts - it just seems kind of ridiculous that a water pump should go out at 60k miles - my old Saab had 200k miles on the original water pump...
the one sold at eap4parts is cast. these can fail as well (bearing failure), although not with the same frequency as the old brittle plastic ones (shattered impellers).
for a short time bmw made pumps with stainless steel impellers. these were good. my guess is that this short run was a knee-jerk reaction to the reported failures of the previous brittle plastic ones. the stainless ones have now been replaced by the composite impellers (more cost-effective to manufacture, but with comparable durability to the stainless steel).
Originally posted by DesmoBob@Oct 26 2004, 04:08 PM there are also two types of metal pumps.
the one sold at eap4parts is cast. these can fail as well (bearing failure), although not with the same frequency as the old brittle plastic ones (shattered impellers).
for a short time bmw made pumps with stainless steel impellers. these were good. my guess is that this short run was a knee-jerk reaction to the reported failures of the previous brittle plastic ones. the stainless ones have now been replaced by the composite impellers (more cost-effective to manufacture, but with comparable durability to the stainless steel).
[snapback]219061[/snapback]
Have you heard anything about the lifespan of the new composite water pumps?
I have had my water pump bearings fail before... metal impellar too... I replaced it with another 'light' metal impellar... it seemed to look the same.. but I just called my buddy that is a master tech... and he said he has had very few bearing failures.... not enough to make it evident that they are having problems... they still install metal impellars in new cars today.. so it sounds like rather isolated events.. maybe with some faulty equipment from the supplier...
whats the fastest way to tell if your still running a plastic one, cause I just bought the car and I'm not sure if this was something that was fixxed or not
Originally posted by Ding@Oct 27 2004, 09:06 AM whats the fastest way to tell if your still running a plastic one, cause I just bought the car and I'm not sure if this was something that was fixxed or not
[snapback]219398[/snapback]
Unless you can come up with the service records for the car..... by removing the pump
There is no visual inspection you can make with the pump still attached to the car.
From what I've read on countless websites, if you car has more thank 60K and your not sure, its best to remove it...... my had 83K with the original pump.
To do list:
Suspension--- researching
UUC System U TDM- 3/05
M50 manifold converstion 3/05
off to the tuning shop for custom software 4/05
Cams/lightened flywheel, throttlebody........ well lets see what happens
my car has 112K...no idea but hope it still doesnt have the plastic pump!!
__________________ <span style='font-size:15pt;line-height:100%'><span style='color:red'>JUST SOLD:</span> <span style='color:blue'>01 BMW 330i with Sport & M Package(5sp)</span></span>
<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'><span style='color:blue'>Past:</span> <span style='color:red'>1996 BMW 328i</span></span>
BMW makes the best waterpumps (NOW). I only paid around 60 buck for mine from BMW. Just find one of your friends who can get a hold of a sellers permit and you get hooked up PHAT at any BMW dealer.
Originally posted by steveo34@Oct 30 2004, 12:09 AM BMW makes the best waterpumps (NOW). I only paid around 60 buck for mine from BMW. Just find one of your friends who can get a hold of a sellers permit and you get hooked up PHAT at any BMW dealer.
Just my two cent.
-Steveo
[snapback]221119[/snapback]
Did you get the metal impeller type or the new composite one? From what people are saying either the cast or composite type are good bets - they'll probably come out with a new one in a few years made out of wood or something
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
