[Wgosma]

Are those the motors that are sort of turned around backwards in the engine bay?...timing chain, Vanos, etc. up against firewall.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by OnerDriver

Yes

Water pump up front? Wonder the reasoning behind that motor orientation?

[EndoDoc]

I am new to owning a BMW, picked up a used 2014 X3 35i mSport with 94K on the motor by one owner. Service is immaculate, they had purchased a 100K service plan and the vehicle was regularly cared for. Pre-sale inspection only showed a leaking coolant line from the reservoir, repaired under warranty.

Question: How common is the waterpump failing in the MY2014 x3s, if common, should I consider pre-emptive strike and replace myself?

Best,

Aleks

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by EndoDoc

I am new to owning a BMW, picked up a used 2014 X3 35i mSport with 94K on the motor by one owner. Service is immaculate, they had purchased a 100K service plan and the vehicle was regularly cared for. Pre-sale inspection only showed a leaking coolant line from the reservoir, repaired under warranty.

Question: How common is the waterpump failing in the MY2014 x3s, if common, should I consider pre-emptive strike and replace myself?

Best,

Aleks

Yes. At the mileage the car is at you'd be smart to do the pump and thermostat (assuming they're the originals), more than a few who post here and on other BMW forums have seen pumps fail at/near the 50-60K mile mark.

Other suggestion: check the records and see if the drive belt (and tensioner/idler pulleys) are original - if so, install a new belt and check the idler pulleys for any 'play/wobble' that would indicate bearing wear.
Good Luck/Bill

[EndoDoc]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Yes. At the mileage the car is at you'd be smart to do the pump and thermostat (assuming they're the originals), more than a few who post here and on other BMW forums have seen pumps fail at/near the 50-60K mile mark.

Other suggestion: check the records and see if the drive belt (and tensioner/idler pulleys) are original - if so, install a new belt and check the idler pulleys for any 'play/wobble' that would indicate bearing wear.
Good Luck/Bill

Thanks Bill. I assume I have time to gather the parts, if it has not failed as early as the others I should have some time to prepare.

I noticed Bavarian Autosport selling a vdo pump, stating it is the redesign, is that the type I should be price shopping for?

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by EndoDoc

Thanks Bill. I assume I have time to gather the parts, if it has not failed as early as the others I should have some time to prepare.

I noticed Bavarian Autosport selling a vdo pump, stating it is the redesign, is that the type I should be price shopping for?

In most case there's no failing signs. Assuming you have the original pump, it can last 1 mile or 14000 miles, who knows.

Bought my x3 at 68k miles, takes no chances, I did the pump right away.

If I recall correctly, I took the pump/thermostat/coolant from FCP euro. Back in the days, it was cheaper than rockauto.

Also, according to my reading, the vdo pump is not a redesign; not better and not worst.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/X3...&m=2126&e=2135

[HerrK]

Recently completed some 90K preventative maintenance on my daughters 2012 X3 x drive 2.8i (3.0L 6cyl - non-turbo, thats a N52N engine). Replaced the water pump, thermostat, upper & lower rad hoses. For any DIY's out there's some great information regarding steps and tools required on this X5 post https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...lacement.htmls. The water pump/thermostat replacement was a tedious task for sure.

Also replaced the Alt/AC Compressor drive belt and belt tensioner. Valve cover was starting to weep and had a bad PVC diaphragm so replaced the VC along with plugs and coils. New Eccentric Shaft Sensor as well, as the VC ESS seal had leaked oil into the ESS plug connection - since the VC is off replaced the ESS. Also put new profile seals in the oil filter housing to head and oil cooler to oil filter housing - again due to start of minor leaks. Lastly Oil/Filter and Cabin Air filter.

All together about $2500 work of hardware and about 4 - 8hr days doing all this PM. Hopefully good to go for another 90-100K miles.

Even being a seasoned BMW E46 DIYer mechanic and retired mechanical engineer, all the various E90 posts were exceptionally helpful in completing these repairs. So a big thanks to all you previous DIYer's who provided posts and videos.

[Wgosma]

HerrK:
I've been DIY'ing it on E39's for umpteen years, my X3 is 2012 w/N52 w/61K miles and I've owned it for 5 months.

Water pump: DIY looks unappealing at best, ugh - did you have the car on ramps, jackstands or lift for your work?

Thanks/Bill

[malicem3]

Originally Posted by EndoDoc

Thanks Bill. I assume I have time to gather the parts, if it has not failed as early as the others I should have some time to prepare.

I noticed Bavarian Autosport selling a vdo pump, stating it is the redesign, is that the type I should be price shopping for?

I would recommend buying the replacement package from ECS tuning.

[EndoDoc]

Originally Posted by malicem3

I would recommend buying the replacement package from ECS tuning.

Thank you, will do.

[EndoDoc]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

In most case there's no failing signs. Assuming you have the original pump, it can last 1 mile or 14000 miles, who knows.

Bought my x3 at 68k miles, takes no chances, I did the pump right away.

If I recall correctly, I took the pump/thermostat/coolant from FCP euro. Back in the days, it was cheaper than rockauto.

Also, according to my reading, the vdo pump is not a redesign; not better and not worst.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/X3...&m=2126&e=2135

It still has a warranty until 100K, will warranty cover the pump if I asked a shop to replace preemptively? Likely would cover for failure I would think.

[Wgosma]

If failed I think you're covered- can't imagine any car dealer paying to replace working component as preventative maintenance.

[kmarei]

Our 2011 X3 35i has 120,000 miles
Still on original water pump
But recently got a check engine light.
When I checked it it was error code P0128
Which I think means thermostat is on the way out
Will change both thermo and water pump
Our oil filter housing gasket was also due for replacement as it leaks
So I guess this is a good time to change it

[hardparker]

Originally Posted by hardparker

I noticed my water pump hose touches and is slightly deformed by the steering rack. Is the hose upside down or backwards? Does anyone have a picture for comparison?

I did the water pump myself, with a buddy, at the same time as my PS2. I just noticed this when doing the brakes and I'm thinking it's not quite right.

It was definitely installed backwards. Fixed it yesterday. I found a couple of other things that weren't quite right that my buddy helped with. Next time I think I'll pick a friend to help who's more mechanically inclined.

[96_Impreza]

2011 X3 35i, original owner, 118K miles. Engine hot message. Waited for engine to cool and drove it another ten miles to mom & pop BMW shop.
Scan diagnosis: "water pump speed outside of tolerance."
Replaced water pump, new water pump bolts, thermostat kit and antifreeze.
Labor $480.00
Parts $999.97
Shop supplies/hazmat $28.80
Sales tax $118.92
Total $1627.69

[Wgosma]

You got very decent life out of that original pump; looks like the shop put bit of steep markup on the parts, hmm....

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by EndoDoc

It still has a warranty until 100K, will warranty cover the pump if I asked a shop to replace preemptively? Likely would cover for failure I would think.

this is a risk evaluation.

People are posting repair costs from 6xx$ to 2000$, depending where the parts come from and if you pay labor or not.

BMW will repair it if its broken. Yes some of us got failure sign before going on towing, but alot of member get the car on the towing.

IMO, getting stuck far from home,having to call a towing and having to rush at a dealer/garage to get it fix fast ; getting a good chance to cost way more than preventing it. Way more than 2000$ + losing your day.

It cost me 615 $cad to put oem spec parts, including the beer.

Peace of mind.

I have young kids, and the X3 is only for long trip.

[Alfisti]

I think mine just went, could be wrong but it certainly feels like it given the similar symptoms to those above.

2013 X3, just 58,000KM or 36K miles.

Just not good enough BMW. Will be my last BMW that is not leased.

[doru]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

HerrK:
I've been DIY'ing it on E39's for umpteen years, my X3 is 2012 w/N52 w/61K miles and I've owned it for 5 months.

Water pump: DIY looks unappealing at best, ugh - did you have the car on ramps, jackstands or lift for your work?

Thanks/Bill

Bill, I changed the WP & T-stat on my e92. It failed a few months after I purchased the car. DIY is not terrible, but space is at a premium compared to our defunct e39 etc.
Did one also on X3 e83si with N52 engine. Almost identical procedure as the 335. Next will be my f25 with N52 engine.
The Wp on non-turbo engines lasts much longer than the forced engines. There are many reports with original wp well over 100 k miles. They last longer than the belt driven wp on e39, e46, e30 etc (exception is the Stewart).
So if in there, because tight space, make SURE you change the hoses that connect in that area.
On another note: We all know the OFHG fails on these cars. Whenever this happens, to take off the assy to change that gasket, you might need to take off the hose #7 in this diagram.
This hose is expensive, and to make matter worse, the plastic nipple that you have to take off, usually is cooked and breaks in a million pieces. Also that O-ring comes out in like 3 sizes bigger. Happened to me and many more.
Now you can change that hose ($$$), but biggest problem is now you have to raise the car and go under in those tight places, etc.
The workaround is an identical aluminum nipple (e-bay), comes with O-ring and collar. The hose is usually in great shape. To take off whatever is inside the hose, just wrap a rag around it then crush it with a pliers. Some people tried taking off the OEM collar, but butchered the hose. Also DON'T cut it shorter.
Hope this helps

[Wgosma]

Doru-
Thanks for that info, I'm making note of the OFHG info you stated, I know it's going to eventually leak.
Interesting about WP lifespans- I watch it like a hawk (oil and water temps)- the pumps on cars w/turbo must be different design from what is on our N52's(?)....I cant see why forced injection motorwould reduce pump life, hmm....

If I can get to 100K without pump hiccup I think I'll replace it at that point-time will tell.
Bill

[doru]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Doru-
Thanks for that info, I'm making note of the OFHG info you stated, I know it's going to eventually leak.
Interesting about WP lifespans- I watch it like a hawk (oil and water temps)- the pumps on cars w/turbo must be different design from what is on our N52's(?)....I cant see why forced injection motorwould reduce pump life, hmm....

If I can get to 100K without pump hiccup I think I'll replace it at that point-time will tell.
Bill

FIY the WP on the e83si went south when the car hit +/- 170,000 Km (N52 engine). That's +/- 106k miles
The WP on the 335is went south when the car hit 97,000 Km (N54 engine). That's +/- 60k miles

[Polo08816]

Is it worthwhile to replace all the coolant hoses while you're in there to replace the thermostat and water pump or just leave them?