BMW waterpump failure on M52 engine.

After 200k km's my waterpump gave up the ghost. Bearing was shot. Luckely no damaged viscous coupling, fan nor radiator. The pump even still worked, but with that much play on the axle....

This is the version with metal impellor, which was an upgrade over the original plastic impellor. I'm not sure from what year the metal ones were introduced, so I can't tell if this is my original pump or not. 200k km would seem a bit much for a waterpump, but who knows.
BMW upgraded again as the new waterpumps have a ceramic impellor.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• BMW
• E36
• M52

[textcrwds]

That pump is not OEM. BMW never made a complete metal piece. Most likely that was a GRAF.

BMW only sells composite impeller pumps. The thing with metal impeller pumps is that they place too much strain on the bearings.

If OEM pumps are made to last 60 to 90k miles why get anything else?

Go OEM or Stewart.

[1D0N]

@textcrwds So much for knowing nothing about BMW and E36's. I am Mr OEM and know for this throughout the internet. The BMW logo and BMW's partnumber are all over it. Just because you haven't seen it, doesn't make it not-original. BMW made this model waterpump for years, to upgrade from the plastic impeller one.

After that BMW upgraded once more, to a composite/ceramic impeller, which was fitted after this one.

[1D0N]

This was a pump with metal impeller, which was still in 100% OK condition if that is what you are asking. The bearing failed, not the impeller.

[andrewthompsonuk1]

OK, mine has just started to knock a little Z3 2.8 145K miles. Looks like it can get way way worse. Great vid..

Any problems removing it?

[1D0N]

@andrewthompsonuk1 There are 2 threaded holes on the waterpump. You simply screw in a 5mm allen bolt (or another 5mm bolt). This way you simply bolt it away from the engine casing. No need to pry it out.

[just4bimmers]

@xezile123 likewise

[xezile123]

@bmwdriver63 No fuckin' shit why would you or anyone come up with the idea of installing a CERAMIC WATER PUMP unless you know NOTHING of the cooling system

[xezile123]

@textcrwds Haha fucking idiot don't open your mouth unless you know what you're talking about. and DON'T recommend such amateur advice - " keep your plastic water pump over metal ones im a fucking retard "

[bmwdriver63]

On my 325i my oem pump did the same thing. I just got my brand new graf waterpump in the mail and tomorrow i'm getting it installed. The waterpump u have looks like mine, but mine is ceramic stock and I have heard bad things about them so i got a metal impeller water pump. I hope these bearing are better but from your video i can tell that any waterpump can have bearing issues.

[olaf2046]

Are those metal impellers?