They are designed to leak from the back as that is where the weep hole is. Could be the valley pan or either of the cooling tubes. The pipes fit into the manifold in the back, and the water pump in front with o-rings.

Regardless, the job is the same for these leaks and if it comes apart for a valley pan, the pipes should get done too, or vice versa. It’s definitely A DYI job, with proper preparation and tools. The problem with having it done is there are several other things to do while “you are in there” that will add more money to the cost, but are foolish to not have the shop do while they have the car apart.

Lots of good write ups on the valley pan and coolant pipe jobs.

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Current
Original owner 2002 E53 X5 4.4i to 4.6i swap
2026 G80 M3 6 spd
2025 G06 X5 50e
Former
1972 Audi Fox
1986 Saab 900S
1996 BMW Z3
1998 BMW E36 M3 Sedan
2004 BMW E46 M3
2006 Audi A3 Quatro
1993 Mopar 318 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2015 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee