BMW Tstat?

[Greg C]

So Having problems with the Tstat on my 2003 X5 with 171 K on it. Going to replace it along with the water pump. I know not to go cheap on the pump, and will get the BMW pump, but what about the Tstat. BavAuto has the BMW one for about $110, and a Wahler for only about $ 60.

[RFaber]

Hello, I replaced mine just a few weeks back, Wahler is good! If i understand they are the OE manafacturer. Ive had no issues with mine since.

[tmv]

If you have a 3.0, I would get WP with metal impeller. The plastic one seems to break easily. I had 2 failed on me in my old 525i.
2nd on Wahler Tstat.

[Ricky Bobby]

I'd get either OEM pump or EMP stewart, Wahler is OEM so either Wahler or OE thermostat.

[Riggodeaux]

Given the issues many have with OEM waterpumps, isn't the Stewart the preferred wp? That's my general impression. My seller put an OEM in mine at 78k miles, I believe.

[cn90]

For M52 and M54 engines:

- Tstat ---> Wahler is the OEM
- WP: I use HEPU brand, put it in my 1998 528i at 90K, and I am now at 150K, zero issues.
- Radiator: Same for Nissens, out it in at 90K, zero leaks.

V8 is another pandora box.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

Given the issues many have with OEM waterpumps, isn't the Stewart the preferred wp? That's my general impression. My seller put an OEM in mine at 78k miles, I believe.

OEM WP issues is more of an M52 thing and late 90s thing, the impeller is composite on the M54 and not plastic like 10 years prior to it. The plastic cooling parts yes they need to be replaced more often but there are M54 members on here with a couple hundred thousand and the OEM WP.

My buddy X5SND in Canada actually had issues with the aftermarket pump as it wasn't flowing as well as stock, so he put in an EMP Stewart replacement. If I was replacing mine (I still have original at 79k miles at 11.5 years old), I would do another OE pump or an EMP Stewart.

[Riggodeaux]

I'm thinking back to my E36 days, I guess, with plastic impellers. With an early 2013 replacement in mine, I hope its the composite impeller. I'll check my paperwork for the part no. Good to know you can save $125 or more and not pay for the Stewart in an ordinary road performance application .....

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

I'm thinking back to my E36 days, I guess, with plastic impellers. With an early 2013 replacement in mine, I hope its the composite impeller. I'll check my paperwork for the part no. Good to know you can save $125 or more and not pay for the Stewart in an ordinary road performance application .....

If its an OE pump its composite, no worries there.