e39 water pump repair/replacement

I did it myself on my E39. I had to buy a viscous fan holding tool to allow the viscous fan to be unscrewed left hand thread from the water pump pulley spindle. If you don't hold the water pump pulley bolts (with the tool) the pulley just slips on the belt. You will also need one of those thin viscous fan spanners 32mm or 36mm, you can get this out of Halfrauds, I had to order on line the viscous fan holding tool. I bought some M6 bolts to jack out the waterpump out of the block as per Haynes manua, worked a treat too.

Read this thread and in particular the 2nd page where I describe how I did it.

Easy once I had bought the right tools. I had the M52 engine if it is the M52TU or M54 engine the hoses fit on differently. It was easier to do than the waterpump on my Mini!

The filling of the coolant system is a bit of a pain on the E39. Ignition on and open the heater valves to allow coolant in and out of the heater matrix to avoid air locks.

Mechanic might charge 1 to 2 hours labour. Plus parts. OEM pump from Eurocar parts was less than £40 BMW wanted ~£75 for the pump at the time. Make sure you buy a pump with a metal impeller, the plastic ones break off and the engine overheats then it is only good for making baked bean cans out off after it gets too hot.

HTH

Andrew

Edited by Andrew Rolland - 20-November-2012 at 08:26

Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series!

Current
'13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto

Previous
'04 04 E60 545i SE Auto
'03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen)
'98 S E39 523i SE Auto

Dave - which E39?

I think I've a good metal impeller one out in my shed (from my last 523i)!

Free to a good home!

Edited by kbannon - 25-November-2012 at 22:48

Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual

Well, the pump is still in my shed with your name on it.

I should have all tools required, if they're needed.

Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual

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dryle Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 31-January-2006 Location: Enfield. Status: Offline Points: 1348	Post Options Post Reply Quote dryle Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: e39 water pump repair/replacement Posted: 19-November-2012 at 22:45
	Anyone know how difficult is it to replace the water pump? or how much for a mechanic to do it?
	Dave Ryle "The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." -- George Bernard Shaw

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Andrew Rolland Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Go away rain Joined: 19-August-2004 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 6579	Post Options Post Reply Quote Andrew Rolland Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20-November-2012 at 08:23
	I did it myself on my E39. I had to buy a viscous fan holding tool to allow the viscous fan to be unscrewed left hand thread from the water pump pulley spindle. If you don't hold the water pump pulley bolts (with the tool) the pulley just slips on the belt. You will also need one of those thin viscous fan spanners 32mm or 36mm, you can get this out of Halfrauds, I had to order on line the viscous fan holding tool. I bought some M6 bolts to jack out the waterpump out of the block as per Haynes manua, worked a treat too. Read this thread and in particular the 2nd page where I describe how I did it. Easy once I had bought the right tools. I had the M52 engine if it is the M52TU or M54 engine the hoses fit on differently. It was easier to do than the waterpump on my Mini! The filling of the coolant system is a bit of a pain on the E39. Ignition on and open the heater valves to allow coolant in and out of the heater matrix to avoid air locks. Mechanic might charge 1 to 2 hours labour. Plus parts. OEM pump from Eurocar parts was less than £40 BMW wanted ~£75 for the pump at the time. Make sure you buy a pump with a metal impeller, the plastic ones break off and the engine overheats then it is only good for making baked bean cans out off after it gets too hot. HTH Andrew Edited by Andrew Rolland - 20-November-2012 at 08:26
	Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto

dryle Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 31-January-2006 Location: Enfield. Status: Offline Points: 1348	Post Options Post Reply Quote dryle Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25-November-2012 at 08:42
	Thanks Andrew.
	Dave Ryle "The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." -- George Bernard Shaw

kbannon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group E39 525i Sport Individual Joined: 09-October-2002 Location: 64 Zoo Lane Status: Offline Points: 15508	Post Options Post Reply Quote kbannon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25-November-2012 at 22:47
	Dave - which E39? I think I've a good metal impeller one out in my shed (from my last 523i)! Free to a good home! Edited by kbannon - 25-November-2012 at 22:48
	Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual

dryle Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 31-January-2006 Location: Enfield. Status: Offline Points: 1348	Post Options Post Reply Quote dryle Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10-December-2012 at 07:09
	Killian, sorry its still the 520. Just need time to rip out stuff from the car and see exactly what else is required.
	Dave Ryle "The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." -- George Bernard Shaw

kbannon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Admin Group E39 525i Sport Individual Joined: 09-October-2002 Location: 64 Zoo Lane Status: Offline Points: 15508	Post Options Post Reply Quote kbannon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10-December-2012 at 22:25
	Well, the pump is still in my shed with your name on it. I should have all tools required, if they're needed.
	Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE 1997 E39 523i 2003 E39 525i Sport Individual

dryle Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 31-January-2006 Location: Enfield. Status: Offline Points: 1348	Post Options Post Reply Quote dryle Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10-December-2012 at 22:36
	That's great Killian. I am driving my fil's old Honda crv and hate it.
	Dave Ryle "The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." -- George Bernard Shaw