I was servicing my 05 Mini Cooper S, And while I have the thing taken apart, I was considering putting on a new water pump, 90k+ miles.

After looking at local stores, online stores, ebay, rockauto and others. Everyone makes a water pump and everyone is a different price. from $20 to $150+

Usually price dictates quality. Is that the case here? What brand are most people have the best luck out of?

Being the water pump is burried on this car, I'd rather not have a problem on this, but I sure don't want to just buy the most expensive one on the market just because.

 

Just remember that the lower prices are usually only the impeller portion and sometimes a rubber o-ring type gasket. In this instance you need torx bits to take the old pump apart and fasten the outer portion to what you bought.

You also have pumps with plastic or metal impellers.

IMO so much depends on how long/miles you plan on doing with car.

I also found it easier to work on the pump with the t-stat housing out that I then replaced with new (both stat and housing)

 

Oh yeah prices are all over the place along with the quality. I've tried to use cheaper pumps and only got burned. Since we warranty all the repairs we do I can't afford to do a job twice so I found the only ones that I can trust are the original MINI pumps, so that is the only one we offer on our website or install in our shop. Also because it's an original MINI part if it does leak your local MINI dealer has to do the parts and labor for 2yrs from purchase.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/r53-water-pump.html

 

I bought mine from Way.

It's only $120 shipped and you shouldn't have to even think about for the next 10 years

 

I wouldn't mind putting in the wmw unit if it's original mini parts. Them footing the bill if it fails wouldn't help me, as there is no mini dealer here.

 

Yes it is an original MINI part.

 

Picked up a Saleri water pump for around $74 when I pulled the supercharger out for service. 3 Months after replacing, temps are still ok. no leaks, no overheating...No complaints so far.

Almost everyone suggests the OEM pump for it's warranty and track record. Just make sure the pump was replaced correctly...MINI wont cover a unit that was improperly installed.