at what mileage to change waterpump???

[Zulu95]

Originally Posted by Hal88

I asked the same question to my two bmw mechs, the told me that if it's not leaking to leave it alone. My truck has 84k miles.
If it aint broken, don't fix it.

Yea wait until it fails and they'll be only too happy to help relieve you of mega $$$$ replacing the head/s or engine. Makes much more sense to them than doing a low $$$ water pump replacement before failure.
I was fortunate because I noticed the small leak from the "telltale" and had it done under my expiring CPO. At and around that time I remember reading three or four postings from those who had sudden catastrophic failure (around the 35K to 60K miles range) on the highway and the results were not pretty.

[2002Silver4.6is]

This will go on my list of "things to do" once I get my Bentley Repair Manual!!

[e53fl]

Those 2 mechanics probably don't specialize on bmws?? My ford explorer has 160k on the original w/pump as they are built to last. On the other hand my 91' nissan 300zx has a w/pump that is designed to be replaced every 60k miles when the timing belt is replaced.....the bmw plastic impeller says it all and SCREAMS replace me or else.

[Krunk Man]

I replaced mine at about 105K.

Better to be safe than be sitting on the side of the highway.

[LI-X5]

Originally Posted by Zulu95

Changed at 37K due to failure. T'stat and t'stat housing also changed as they also leaked!!

+1
same here exact same mileage aswell !!

[X5Dawg]

Changed mine at 120K miles along with the thermostat.

Odd thing is the tstat cost more than the pump!!

[Hal88]

Originally Posted by e53fl

Those 2 mechanics probably don't specialize on bmws?? My ford explorer has 160k on the original w/pump as they are built to last. On the other hand my 91' nissan 300zx has a w/pump that is designed to be replaced every 60k miles when the timing belt is replaced.....the bmw plastic impeller says it all and SCREAMS replace me or else.

One of the mech's is an indie mech, the other works at a bmw dealer......and yea I agree that it'll be cheaper to replace now than breaking down on the road, which is why I asked both mechs if I should change it in the first place.
In the end I will probably end up changing my water pump soon for peace of mind and I don't want the rest of the X5world members mad at me.

[zerochief]

Mine went at 74k

[manonskisjr]

Originally Posted by 2002Silver4.6is

This will go on my list of "things to do" once I get my Bentley Repair Manual!!

Just thinking the same thing! I had an e36 m3 b4 this car and one of the biggest topics or things to do to maintain those were to change the water pump before 75k. There were however excellent and plentiful tutorials on how to do those. Im waiting until feb until i get the bentley manual to change therm, coolant tank, belts and water pump. I already got the fan removal skinny wrench off ebay for $30. Trust me, that tool is a must when you guys get around doing it if ur DIY'ers.

I bent 3 long ass screwdrivers trying to hold the pullys and busted a nut the first time. That was the only difficult part of the job. Save money and do it yourself if you guys have the time.

Jay

[diogenes!]

Originally Posted by manonskisjr

I already got the fan removal skinny wrench off ebay for $30. Trust me, that tool is a must when you guys get around doing it if ur DIY'ers.

Got mine at a bicycle shop for 'bout $17. A bicycle cone wrench works great when you need a skinny wrench. Most well stocked bike shops will have them - also available online, but I've got a good local shop that I like to support.