[Deliberate2]

Friends, we have a 20111 X3 35i with just over 110,000 miles. Yesterday, while my wife was driving it, she got the yellow engine heat warning, and pulled over to let it cool. She added some coolant, though there was no obvious signs of a coolant leak.
This morning, I added more coolant, and topped it off. Once the engine heated up, I got the yellow message, then the red one. It happened twice on my 50 mile trip to work. Each time I pulled over and let it cool down - it is in the low 20'sF here in Maine. When it showed red, the car went into limp mode as well -dramatic power loss. As the nearest BMW dealer is about three hours away, I went to my Audi dealer, who I know well. Actually, I already had an appointment for an oil change and winter mount. I described the symptoms, and the SA said they would do a coolant pressure test.
More details, when I turned off the engine, there was a very strong fan sound that stayed on for a bit. I also heard a definite gurgling liquid sound when the engine was off as well.
I have done a bit of searching, and my uninformed opinion is that this could be a water pump issue. Other possibilities? Is there a way to mechanically or electronically test the status of a water pump.
Much obliged for any help.
D2

[scostu]

Google water pump failure and N55....sounds like your issue.

[Deliberate2]

Originally Posted by scostu

Google water pump failure and N55....sounds like your issue.

Will do. Cheers.

[Wgosma]

You can 'unlock' your car's instrument cluster and pull up Coolant Temp. (water temp in Deg C) and display in real time when car is running.

If the water pump and thermostat are functioning properly you should not see much swing in coolant temperature - coolant (water) temp will reflect changes quicker than the instrument panel Oil Temp gauge.


Not the World's best video but you should get the idea:

Good luck/Bill

[335iAP]

Pump failure or low coolant probably.

[Commerce]

Same symptoms as many have described, including myself, when they had their water pump/thermostat fail on their 35i.

[Deliberate2]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

You can 'unlock' your car's instrument cluster and pull up Coolant Temp. (water temp in Deg C) and display in real time when car is running.

If the water pump and thermostat are functioning properly you should not see much swing in coolant temperature - coolant (water) temp will reflect changes quicker than the instrument panel Oil Temp gauge.


Not the World's best video but you should get the idea:

Good luck/Bill

Bill, thanks for that. I should have mentioned that I can, in fact, see the coolant temp change in real time on the instrument panel. It is stable at 140F, then moves up. At about 160F or so, the yellow warning comes on. Then at about 190-200F the red warning activates. It is interesting that just a couple minutes with engine off can push the temp down to an operating range, and it can stay there for 20 or more miles.
When water pumps fail do they do so catastrophically, or could they function marginally for a time? I live a three hour drive from the nearest BMW dealer, and need to figure if I can limp down there or need to spring for a tow.
Thanks again.

[Wgosma]

I-6 motors with their long heads don't tolerate overheat well (warpage, gasket failure) even tho these more modern cars have limp mode protection I'd be wary of driving the car very far- better safe than sorry- I'd opt for flatbed of the car.

Pumps can be intermittent or catastrophic when in failing modes- no way of knowing.

[Deliberate2]

Just spoke to the service person at the "local" BMW dealership. She confirms a water pump failure - likely, she said, on the electronic side given the fact that there is no coolant leak. I asked how much for pump, thermostat and coolant flush - just under $1700. Is that market? There is a local indy place that I have used with mixed results, and am waiting for a call back with a price. Think my wife will appreciate a new water pump instead of that sparkly gold thing I was going to get her for the holidays?

[Wgosma]

Indy shop quoted me $1200, pump & coolant only. Add stat then that's about $ 1400+ in total. I'm in SoCal, shops labor rate is actually decent at $125/hr. Your dlr price seems pretty reasonable.

[Deliberate2]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Indy shop quoted me $1200, pump & coolant only. Add stat then that's about $ 1400+ in total. I'm in SoCal, shops labor rate is actually decent at $125/hr. Your dlr price seems pretty reasonable.

Just heard from the indy shop - $1072 out the door - with new OEM parts (wp/therm/bolts, etc) and coolant flush. This vs $1700 from the dealer. Done deal.
Thanks for all the help gents.

[Riick]

I would have all work done by BMW at the dealership. Indy shop work for $700 less? The work is being done by an uncertified mechanic and you'll most likely be broken down on the side of the road soon after it's "fixed".

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by Riick

I would have all work done by BMW at the dealership. Indy shop work for $700 less? The work is being done by an uncertified mechanic and you'll most likely be broken down on the side of the road soon after it's "fixed".

wut?

it's a straight forward job mate. nothing hard here.

The only advantage, is the knowledge of the bmw dealer about ''other'' issues around the actual problem. And most of the time they put rookies on that kind of jobs, its a hit or miss.

but if op is sure of the issue, i dont see the problem to go ti a reputable shop.

[TheCoolX3]

It's all up to personal preference.

I personally choose to have all work done at the dealer. Yes, its egregiously expensive but should anything go wrong or I want to sell the car I always have service records. Plus my dealer is very mod friendly so I want to do my best in keeping a good relationship, for my warranty's sake and my next bmw!

[alpwhite46]

I had the same thing but my car had the malfunctioning water pump..it would work then randomly over heat at some point.
My side warranty covered $1000
The pump is like 800 CDN.

[Deliberate2]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

wut?

it's a straight forward job mate. nothing hard here.

This.
When I chatted with the BMW service agent who diagnosed the problem with confidence (as you all have), and knowing that I live three hours away and would have to have the car flat-bedded that distance, she suggested that my local Audi dealer (who I know real well) could do it with no worries. While I have great faith in them, I decided to go with the indy shop which does a great deal of BMW repair work, including on my old 530xi. As I understand it, this is not the automotive equivalent of brain surgery.