Getting confused around thermostat and water pump etc

[Paulro]

I need a new thermostat.
My car doesn't get anywhere near the halfway point on the gauge unless I'm sitting in traffic.
Members here have advised the thermostat is stuck open.
So even though I don't have a leak from the water pump I think it is sensible to replace that too alongside belts.
I do have bird noises coming from the idler pulley?
I've read about pumps with a metal impeller and understand mine on an 02 3L sport will have a BMW fitted original part with composite impeller.
I've read about the extra weight of metal and possible bearing failure and wonder, if the composite ones were better than early plastic then that might be the way to go?
However, I haven't found a pump where composite impeller has been described. Possibly only original part?

So, what's the experienced opinion with the pump and the rest of the work?
Replace as much as possible while we have access?

By the way, car is on 103.000 miles with main dealer history but I've no invoices.

Thanks
Paul

 

[Parmst]

i just changed my original pump yesterday because of bearing failure at 98k -replaced pump , theromostat and housing, two rad hoses. The belt and the two smaller hoses will be done soon - i forgot to get a new belt!
And it was all so easy to do

 

[Paulro]

i just changed my original pump yesterday because of bearing failure at 98k -replaced pump , theromostat and housing, two rad hoses. The belt and the two smaller hoses will be done soon - i forgot to get a new belt!
And it was all so easy to do

Are you really good with the spanners? I'm ok but would hate to f it up.....

 

[Parmst]

i am no mecanic, only ever did the basics oil plugs pads etc.
just check out you tube
mind you mins is a 1.9 so maybe a bit more room than yours

 

[t-tony]

The 6 cyl. engines are just as easy to do Paul. You only need basic tools and skills. If you're unsure it's probably best left to a professional. Going on what it cost you to have your AC repaired maybe worth asking at the same place? Build up a relationship for future work maybe?

Tony.

 

[Brian4]

@Paulro bit of a video on how to replace pump,

http://blog.bavauto.com/16288/bmw-d...mostat-on-6-cylinder-m50-m52-m54-m56-s50-s52/

 

[Paulro]

@Paulro bit of a video on how to replace pump,

http://blog.bavauto.com/16288/bmw-d...mostat-on-6-cylinder-m50-m52-m54-m56-s50-s52/

Looks ok. Thank you very much

 

[Sean d]

The 6 cyl. engines are just as easy to do Paul. You only need basic tools and skills. If you're unsure it's probably best left to a professional. Going on what it cost you to have your AC repaired maybe worth asking at the same place? Build up a relationship for future work maybe?

Tony.

The front end is my next service job mate, should we have a date at the Midlands Z shed

 

[Paulro]

The front end is my next service job mate, should we have a date at the Midlands Z shed

Yes perhaps we should. Ha
What should I wear?....

 

[Sean d]

Yes perhaps we should. Ha
What should I wear?....

Overalls , you might want to replace the belt tensioner as well

 

[Sean d]

The front end is my next service job mate, should we have a date at the Midlands Z shed

As well as plugs, and all the oils of course

 

[mwpe]

It is a straightforward job but one thing rarely mentioned is that it is a good idea to get a new radiator drain plug, they get brittle with age. I replaced my water pump, thermostat and belt tensioner last year. the whole job took about 2 hours until the very end when I refitted the drain plug and it sheared with very little force. I then had to remove the radiator to get the old plug out.

 

[t-tony]

Overalls , you might want to replace the belt tensioner as well

That's what triggered me doing the belt, tens and idler on my Z3. It started making a hideous row, I though it was transmission fault!!

Tony.

 

[Sean d]

That's what triggered me doing the belt, tens and idler on my Z3. It started making a hideous row, I though it was transmission fault!!

Tony.

I had a very similar noise the other day, when the car had been stood for a while, it lasted about 30 seconds so I gave it a blast of WD40, that soon shut it up, it even got rid of the tweeting

 

[mrscalex]

I've taught myself everything from material found online - including this forum of course.

If you can use a spanner, read instructions and are methodical I don't see a problem having a go yourself.

I bought a Behr (OE) thermostat and Meyle water pump.

My idler pulley and belt were good so I didn't replace.

I routinely replaced the viscous fan but probably didn't need to and wouldn't next time.

Take the radiator out and flush it with a hose. Don't do that with the block/heater but do drop the block drain plug. You don't want tap water settling in the system.

Fill back up with 50% BMW anti-freeze and de-mineralised water.

Not a full guide. Find yourself a full DIY as there are other little things that will help like how to bleed.

 

[Sean d]

As well as plugs, and all the oils of course

@Madtoady not sure why you would disagree with me changing my oils and plugs

 

[5harp3y]

It is a straightforward job but one thing rarely mentioned is that it is a good idea to get a new radiator drain plug, they get brittle with age. I replaced my water pump, thermostat and belt tensioner last year. the whole job took about 2 hours until the very end when I refitted the drain plug and it sheared with very little force. I then had to remove the radiator to get the old plug out.

i'm tackling this on Saturday but will be using the lower rad hose to drain rather than the drain plug for this very reason.

 

[Madtoady]

@Madtoady not sure why you would disagree with me changing my oils and plugs

??

 

[Sean d]

??

You disagreed with post number 11, maybe it was fat fingers

 

[Madtoady]

You disagreed with post number 11, maybe it was fat fingers

Oh so I did haha. That's pprobably just me scrolling on my phone lol.