I agree, buy the best water pump you can find.

Also, there is a class action suit see https://electriccoolantpumpsettlement.com/. I got a notice and filed a claim - hoping to get reimbursed. Might want to check if you qualify.

Fairly certain Continental bought VDO

Just checked their webpage and you are correct.

I preemptively replaced the one on our N52 (5 series) at 185,000 miles. I doubt the one I removed was original but not knowing when it was done... I did it. Got a Pierburg from FCP euro. When I buy any used BMW one of the first things replaced is the water pump, thermostat, reservoir, and majority of the cooling hoses. Just had to replace the radiator last weekend at 195,000 miles. So I did the trans thermostat and mount as well. All about pre-emptive replacement. Though definitely not the most cost effective method of ownership, it keeps me from getting stranded out of town in my 15 year old vehicles. :D

Fortunately it was not the crazy expensive version being discussed here. *phew*

I just did the entire cooling system as well. All oem. Crazy expensive!

N52 5 series. Amazing yours is at 195,000 miles. What year is it?

Mine is 2010 4wd with 6 speed manual. Best manual shift experience by far.

I drive it sparingly because imo it's the best car i ever owned. It's just overall so well-balanced. Transmission shifts great, long, direct, and with slightly more effort than a honda manual, very similar to the older E30, power is quick and smooth on tap, handling is superb and tight, doesn't feel like a 4 door family sedan at all. I wonder how much better a rwd version would feel.

A RWD might not necessarily feel better. Indeed a nice ride! Any bolt ons?

2006 530xi wagon. All E61's were AWD in the US. Runs great and only throws 2 codes once every ~500 miles for cat efficiency. I don't bother resetting it anymore as it turns itself off after a few drives. Super smooth and makes the E53 feel like a relic. But I still love the E53. ;)

I was originally going to swap an N62 RWD drivetrain into it. I bought a 2006 550i auto that runs/drives but was involved in an accident. But this N52 has been so reliable and smooth I don't have the heart to rip it out. Sooooo I'm on the lookout for another E61 that needs a drivetrain to do the swap into. But first I have other projects to complete. :D Actually, I need to build a carport in the back to put the 550 under as it is not going to get worked on anytime soon.

Thread has gone a little OT but I think the pertinent info regarding the pump was discussed so... I don't feel bad. At least that's what I'm going to tell myself. :D

Next summer pull the front prop shaft and find out.

A client of mine broke his and for half a year drove his 328xi RWD until we discovered the ground impact that broke the front prop shaft and put a hole in the transmission pan also damaged the front seal on the TC so when the oil finally leaked out the TC tripped an "I'm now dead" code so when I replaced the TC ($500 used with actuator motor), I replaced the prop shaft too so he would have 4wd for winter. Car was more nimble for sure and I liked the lack of that weird power transfer to the front every launch.

It's not exactly the same as pure rwd since you won't have as nimble of front end with the CV axles back peddling the dif but if you like the difference enough, buy a couple used CV axle and remove just the axle stub to hold your bearings tight and you can plug the differential with the inner splines of the used axles. I've seen a few example of people going through the effort to make their car 2wd for 3 seasons