vehicles with active sway bars use a different pump. Home Page > Search > 11 51 7 546 996 > ES#24434 RMFD WATER PUMP - 11517546996

Well let's see how this one holds up.

It texan thanks for the great post and pictures its gonna be alot of help for me. Thanks again

No problem. Figure I save close to grand. And up and running on the night of the day BMW would have taken it in!

Well done!! Thanks! Bookmarked for future reference:)

Thanks lt_texan for the great write up!!! Mods, could we get this added to the "How-To's" section?

Just a heads-up for anyone with the Sport Package (active sway bars) there is a LOT less room towards the front of the car (immediately noticeable when comparing pics in this thread with what you have on your X5). As a result it helps to have abnormally small hands and skinny forearms...at least when it comes to dealing with the thermostat/waterpump bolts. Fortunately any of the "heavy lifting" is done from either the rear of the pump/thermostat housing or from up top.

FYI- In 2008, 2009 the Sport Package included Adaptive Drive (AD) (which is the active sway bars, etc)

But in 2010 on, you only got AD with AD - in other words a "sport package" car no longer includes this $3500 option.

I've wondered how the used market will price this option with the weird packaging as the years change...

nice job, lt_texan, with the DIY and the pictures! my friend's 2008 X5 just exhibited the symptoms. might end up helping him out with doing the job on our own,

Absolutely. Save a almost a grand and get it done quicker!

Make sure you get the right water pump! :D

Saw that. We are going to a dealer where I can get 20% wholesale discount. Thanks!