where is the location of the water pump?

older BMWs (up to late 90s) you should change at 60k due to the plastic impeller. BMW switched back to a metal impeller. I changed the WP on my 98 M3 and it was metal. BTW, beware of aftermarket pumps such as geba. they don't flow as well. my car ran hotter on days over 100deg until I switched back to a bmw pump. Now stewart makes a pump that's supposed to be better.

Not sure about V8 pumps. I changed the one (and radiator too) in our 4.4 x5 @ 100k for peace of mind.

The BMW boxed pumps are still composite plastic impellers (just opened one to confirm) the Graf pumps have a spot welded metal impeller and the Gera are cast. I agree the Geba is a problem because the impeller is heavy, restrictive and not balanced, the entire reason to use plastic is to keep the weight down and not need to balance the pump. Graf uses very thin metal so the balance problem does not apply. the better balanced the pump is the longer the seal and bearing should last.

IMO the M50-M56 pumps have got a bad rap for no good reason, they regularly go 90-140k and that is a solid lifespan for a waterpump for any car.

Easy to find - the fan is attached to the front of it.

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I bought a 32mm craftsman wrench and it was expensive. It is very long and heavy but works like a charm without using a pully wrench. Simply put the 32mm wrench in place at the 12 o clock position and give it a good whack "clockwise" with a hammer and the w/pump nut breaks lose. The belts must still be on and tight for it to work this way....It may take several whacks but it has always worked for me.....Attaching the pully wrench is a real PITA.