Water Pump and Alternator questions

[Carrerax]

Hi all, I have a 2001 X5 4.4 with 115k miles. I had a friend that just had his waterpump go and take the radiator and many other things with it. He had 130k. I have owned this for a long time and it will be my wifes car for several more years. Im now scared that my water pump is going to do the same thing so I intend on replacing it myself in a week or two.

Question is, I have read that the Alternators also go about this same mileage. I dont have a ton of cash and would rather just do the WP but does it make sence to do them both now or just wait till the Alt goes and then replace it. since I am in there it seems it would be much easier to do them both now but if the alternator will last until 150k I dont want to spend the money. Please give me your opinions.

Also, I am mechanical and will not be paying to have it done. TIA, Mark

[FSETH]

It is a gamble. The alternator in my 02 4.4 went around 80,000 miles before failing.

[Dr_Smith]

Both of mine just went at the same time....

[Carrerax]

How many miles Dr smith?

[meltdown325]

I changed my 01 4.4 waterpump (and rest of cooling sys) at about 86,000 miles.

My alternator seized up a few months later, probably around 90k miles. Left me stranded. I rode home that day in the cab of a flatbed towtruck.

Since the alternator is watercooled, you do have to partially drain the coolant when replacing it. Might save you some time doing them together.

But I obviously did them separately, and I found the alternator easier to replace then the WP. I didn't feel like I was repeating a ton of labor replacing them at different times.

The alternator is pretty expensive (think I paid 300 or 400 from autohausAZ), but getting stranded in the X5 sucks too.

[fast4d]

based on what I've read on this forum you can get the alternator cheaply now. if you don't change it keep your eye out for warning light.

[Carrerax]

Thanks for the replies! I found a bosch reman for $380. Is there a cheaper alternative? If I wasnt going to keep this for a long time I think I will just do it all. I wasnt planning on replacing tensioners but have you guys had to do it? I have never had a BMW tensioner fail. Im also hoping the radiator will last awhile longer but I may need to research that!

[Quicksilver]

With 115k miles I believe it's wishful thinking that you can get along without
maintaining your vehicle. It's just a fact of life we all deal with. Knowing that
I believe it would be prudent to put some cash aside for the inevitable.

[Carrerax]

Im not one to not maintain my cars. I just need to be selective on what I can afford to do when. It is now obvious that I should replace the WP/Alt and T-stat at the same time. I can easily do the radiator later when I have more cash for car maintenance. Funny thing, I bought this X5 for my wife (and to tow M3 racecar) then bought her an MB R500 sport when we had kids. I started driving the X5. She hated the benz (due to it always bieng in the shop) so I sold it and bought her a 530xi wagon. That was also a POS so I sold that and she wanted the X5 back. We are going to have this for a long time so I want to keep it going as long as possible. That said, I really appreciate all the help! If there is a cheaper place to get the AlT please let me know!

[Dr_Smith]

90k on mine when they both went. I have it apart right now waiting for the parts from AutohuasAZ. Can't get the alt cheaper than $380....

David