Water Pump Failure after 10K miles
 

On our 2002 4.4i, I replaced a broken water pump in Jan. 2008 when the car had 79,800 miles on it. Now car has 89,xxx miles and the water pump failed. Has anyone run across or heard of a possible bad batch of oem water pumps that might be failing prematurely. I understand these things aren't meant to last forever, but a failure after 10k miles/15 months driving just doesn't seem right. Plus, BMW parts are only warrantied for twelve months, so I'm screwed...this according to my mechanic, even though he is doing the job for 1/2 price. Any other possible causes :dunno:. Thanks.

BMW water pumps were/are weak (plastic impeller which breaks) but I thought they changed the design.

No way a water pump should only last 10k miles. Try bavarian autohaus in NH and call them for a better water pump (like 200USD)

all water pumps purchased from bmw have a lifetime warranty. only after 2 years is when you have to pay labor again. other items with lifetime warranty are shocks, starters, alternators, waterpumps.

I have heard of impeller failures, but that is too early.

Was it a bearing problem, or a leaking seal (which is often a result of a bearing failure)? If so, I would wonder about belt tension, a frequent cause of water pump failures on other models. There is a tensioner on your belt, but conceivably there could be a problem. Just guessing.

The 3.0 engine has a Stewart water pump replacement available with stainless steel impeller - the V8s are stuck with the plastic BMW part

i just had my water pump replaced by bmw...2005 4.4 with 17k miles...i bought it cpo in aug.2008 with 14k miles..

Could this be dealer specific? I had the dealer install a water pump recently and i believe i was told that it had a 2 year warranty. I'll have to check the paperwork.

Guys...can you all clarify two issues?

1) Confirm whether or not the 2 year parts warranty is correct. If so, then my indie mechanic who purchased the failed water pump should be able to get it replaced at no cost assuming he bought it from a BMW dealer parts department:dunno:.

2) What are the specs for the belt tensioner on the water pump? Would too loose or too tight cause premature failure?

BTW...looks as though the problem was a bearing failure in the pump. Thanks for all the input!

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The dealer specific question is a good one.
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