Recommendations requested
 

Okay folks, here's what is going on. This coming Saturday I'll be replacing the coolant crossover pipe in my 2008 4.8i with the collapsible unit by All German Auto. I've decided to go ahead as a PM, to replace the water pump and thermostat. At this moment looking at getting the Graf pump and Behr thermostat from FCP Euro.

I've always preferred the Graf for the metal impeller, but had been doing some reading that said the metal pump isn't was is preferred for the N62TU that is in my X5. Could you please provide your opinions and post back here along with sources you would use?

Also, if anyone is in the SF East Bay and wants to come see how this job is done and help, I would welcome the assistance.

Well, ended up ordering these two items to have them delivered before the weekend. Otherwise, I would risk not having them in time.

Would still love to see everyone's thoughts though.

I haven't looked into what WP I should get yet. But as an E36 guy I'm surprised you like Graf. They get a pretty bad rap and are at the bottom of the metal impeller brands.

I know composite wasn't looked at fondly because early versions would get brittle and break apart but the new ones are better. I put composite in my E36 a couple years ago, and if composite is standard on these, I'll do the same.

Graf has been one of the better metal impeller brands in my experience with E36 and E38. Uro and a number of others have been absolute garbage and I agree how we all used to run away from the composite. Hence the reason for my questions.