Water pump confusuion

80stech · #1 06-09-2022, 09:36 PM

So I bought a 2008 X5 3.0 at auction last weekend and of course didn't make it far before I was forced by the I-drive to pull over for overheating! ;( I'm about 80 percent sure it needs the water pump but I am confused as to which I need. I have the 4 zone climate control and the TIS shows a 996 part number, FCP shows a 484 part number with 4 zone but the one on the car matches the picture for the 925 part number (TIS and FCP) w/o 4 zone climate control. Can anyone share some wisdom on this ?

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Zulu95 · #2 06-09-2022, 10:31 PM

Who says the last guy put on the correct part?

80stech · #3 06-09-2022, 11:35 PM

Car only has 90K KM on it. Pump looks original and I don't think the electrical connectors would would work out if the pump was wrong.

Zulu95 · #4 06-10-2022, 07:51 AM

Did you run the VIN to check just what you have?

https://bimmer.work/

I have, over many years, seen some "make it fit" fixes but acknowledge that at your mileage the pump should be the original.

80stech · #5 06-10-2022, 08:34 AM

Yep, VIN shows 4 zone climate control and the car has the controls for left and right back passengers. I checked some more web sites and all the pictures show the same differences for the pumps (plastic vs metal pump housing and different electrical connector) so I just ordered to match what I have. Fingers crossed.

I guess it might be possible that the engine/wiring harness was switched from a car w/o the 4 zone. I was hoping that someone else might have run into this.

Zulu95 · #6 06-10-2022, 01:47 PM

I proactively changed the WPs on both vehicles when we got them and did not run into any problem such as your problem. I checked the fitment using the VIN on an online dealers web page then ordered the pumps wherever I got the best price for pump, thermostat, connecting hose and bolts.

80stech · #7 06-14-2022, 09:07 PM

How long are the replacement pumps lasting for you guys?

pshovest · #8 06-15-2022, 08:12 AM

My '08 3.0si w/96k is on it's 5th water pump. I bought pump #3 from FCPEuro and have replaced it twice.

1st (original) pump failed Dec '11 at 33k, stranding car. BMW replaced under CPO warranty
2nd pump failed June '18 @76k - Leak at volute casing joint. Bought FCPEuro pump
3rd pump failed April '20 @87k - Leak at volute casing joint. Warranty replaced by FCPEuro
4th pump failed June 21 @87k - Communication fault. Car stranded. Warranty replaced by FCPEuro
5th pump going strong, LOL ....but it's only a year old...and likely due for failure.
The upside is I can now change the pump in about 5 hours.

80stech · #9 06-15-2022, 09:26 AM

Well that sucks, I didn't realize that it was that much of a problem ;( I have my pump coming from FCP Euro so at least I might be able to take advantage of the warranty. Does your pump have the plastic volute casing? I was hoping that there would have been improvements made if it is such a big problem.

andrewwynn · #10 06-15-2022, 10:49 AM

I replaced a similar pump on 08 E90. It was very difficult to attach the hose to the thermostat. Literally 10/10 difficulty and the hardest thing I've done on a car. I'm thinking largely because it's AWD and the insanely tight spacing to get in there. No room for your hands and the thermostat and pump must go in separately and the tiny u-shaped hose connected after. Hopefully on the e70, there is a little more room that was hell.

We have two E70s now but one has a mechanical pump I'm not concerned about that. (wife's). Mine is the electric type I may just buy one preemptively when I get a big paycheck.

The one I replaced for customer e90 lasted 13 months. The OEM model bought from FCP has lasted a couple years (I had him hire a different mechanic to put in the FCP; wasn't worth my time to do that again)

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