Thermostat Only Replacement
 

I have spent several hours researching this and I can not find an answer. I can not find a clear answer. Can the thermostat be replaced with out removing the water pump. My car is at the dealership because it had a spontaneous over heating issue which blew out the upper radiator hose. I have been quoted $1,100 to have only the thermostat replaced. The dealer is not recomending the water pump be replaced because it was replaced before I bought it. The quote includes 3.5 hours of labor. I have read that the top engine shroud and plastic air intake duct work only needs to be removed to get at the thermostat which is then only attached to the water pump with three bolts. Rough estimate to replace it would be 45 min to and hour. I am not sure this is true. I read through the DIY and it looks like the only way to remove the thermostat is remove the water pump. Is this true and does anyone have any experience with this,

It's a bit tight but I have done it. Here is a TIS on how to do it. BMW TIS - 11 53 000 Removing and installing / replacing coolant thermostat (M62)

That is great thank you for sending me the link.
I translated the web page with google from dutch to english, and then a I made pdf out of it and posted it to google docs. The link to the translated document is below. I am still am not sure if the 2002 X5 4.4i engine has 3 bolts or 4 bolts holding the thermostat on the water pump housing I am leaning toward saying it only has three. I just wanted to be sure, I don't have my X5 with me to check it is at the dealer and I have to talk to the service rep tomorrow and make a decision.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1.../edit?hl=en_US

It has 4 bolts

http://www.xoutpost.com/members/tacairlift.html Some how I missed the removal of the fourth bolt in the directions the first five times I read through them. Thank you very much for sending me these directions, I am confident I can replace the thermostat in about an hour. I have replaced the water pump and thermostat on a 328iC and this looks so much easier. You have saved me over a $1000.00.