confused, what type of water pump?
 

I am replacing my thermostat and while I was there I was thinking about replacing water pump and been checking online and there are metal or plastic type pumps, metal seems like it would be stronger, but the plastic pump would be lighter , and also you can replace the water pump pulley with aluminum, which I thought would be a good idea, but then I`m thinking of weight issues ,if it would make a difference or not since BMW puts plastic ones in there system,just wondering if there is a reason for this? just curious.

I would only use an OE pump myself. Just not worth the risk of cheap aftermarket.

There aren't any BMW plastic impeller pumps on the M54. Much discussed; it was an issue in the 1990s with previous series of BMWs. Current pumps (and the one that came in from the factory) have composite impellers, which don't have the issues the plastic impellers did. Metal impellers aren't better, and they are often marketed by appealing to the fear factor over plastic impellers. Don't be suckered.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-impeller.html

Stay away from overpriced OEM WP pump.

I have had the HEPU in my 1998 528i now for 10 years. Zero issues with HEPU.

Eeuroparts sells HEPU for $55.

In fact, I just ordered a HEPU for my 2006 X5 3.0i for cooling overhaul soon.

I wrote the DIY Cooling overhaul for my 1998 528i (see link below), back in May 2006 (nine years ago). I used HEPU water pump, the best bang for your bucks...

ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM REPLACEMENT Tips and Tricks (Very Long, Enjoy!)

If the strategy is to go lowest cost, then Saleri shows up as cheaper than HEPU. Even the Meyle is cheaper than HEPU.

Considering that it is likely going to get replaced only once in the ownership cycle, I would just go with OE.

:iagree: I got about 263,000 miles out of the OE, so that's what went in for a replacement.

2002 X5 3.0 280,400 miles
2004 325i 120,000 miles

Let's forget about the cost for now.

Saleri has its own issues (search bimmerfest). Meyle is bad.

From a longevity/reliability standpoint, HEPU is the king, many Volvo people use HEPU water pump with excellent outcome.

Tons of bimmer people use HEPU.

Those are pretty good lifetimes....
OE WP went bad on me on year 5 , on a 95 degree day .....with a long wait for a tow truck.


I can't recall when, but I recall replacing it again sometime in 2 or 3 years laters.
It's been solid since.
4.4 Water Cooled WP though

Guys, we are talking cheap money here. Buy the good one and move on. There are more issues with the plastic rad tanks and seals, the expansion tanks, etc then there are with OE or this brand water pumps. Most of the cooling system issues appear after poor parts and fluids being used.
I would buy this one and move forward....

Yes, I have one of these in my '98 528 for some 6 years now. Metal impeller on this one with no issues. I just pulled it and check for bearing play (really it is a bushing), nothing. Reinstalled with a new seal and all is OK. I took everything apart to resolve the Oil Filter housing casting seal oil leak issues.

thank you for all your input,something for me to think about.