i have a small leak coming from my water pump so its time to change it out. i figure while i am at it, might as well do the thermostat and flush the system. looking for recommendations on an online retailer for the water pump and thermostat. i refuse to go to the dealer for anything but wanna make sure i get the right parts at the right price.

 

We keep both parts in stock, and the water pump we send will be the updated aluminum one rather than the plastic one you prob have now.
R56 Water Pump


R56 Thermostat


We also carry the pipe that connects the pump to the thermostat
Water Pipe

 

The water pump and thermostat are on different sides of the engine so there is no reason to do the thermostat if it isn't leaking. About the only "common" step between the two processes would be "drain the coolant". However, it wouldn't surprise me if you fixed the water pump and the thermostat started leaking shortly after.

 

Here is the DIY for the water pump and the thermostat with the parts linked.

Doing them both at the same time will get two problems done at once.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hermostat.html

And

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rmostat-6.html




Also a great link here: Thermostat , waterpipe , and waterpump DIY.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...8-no-heat.html




Waterpump: 11518604888


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11518604888/



Thermostat: 11537534521 KT


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11537534521KT3/





Waterpipe: 11537589713

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11537589713/



Waterpipe Clip : 11537548652

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11537548652/




Thanks

 

The above parts are better priced from thebmwminipartstore.com The water pump at WMW is $149.95, ECS is $137.11, MINI Part Store is $118.26. The thermostat is $119.95 at Way, ECS is $100.74 and MINI Part Store is $83.18. MINI Part Store only caries OEM parts.

 

Take my advice and get the tube that connects them as well, you're going to break the original one trying to get it off. Ask me how I know.

 

You mean like this?

 

We typically keep these in stock.

 

As a matter of fact, Yes!

 

After removing the retaining clip, does the thermostat wiggle loose from that pipe or do you have to crimp part of the plastic to release it? I can't get a good look at mine to tell how to get it apart.

 

It will wiggle loose if the thermostat is disconnected from the side of the head. Make sure that clip is not hung up and all the way out. Give the thermostat a twist.

 

Thanks ECS, I have already ordered the thermostat from you but wanted to know whether I'd need to order the pipe as well. Here goes....

 

....success!

 

Awesome, you are welcome and thanks for the order.

 

Height of misery, just put her back together and the pump dumped water on the garage floor as I was testing her out. Ordered a few parts from WMW. The plastic junk lasted 9 years. I had heard some whirring sound from the area and there was traces moisture thrown by the belt. I was in the process of bleeding and listening when the coolant dumped. It looks like the pulley wheel and friction tensioner need to be changed so I ordered them as well.

 

Yea, if they are chewed up and making noise, most of the time its that friction wheel. When my WP went its leaked at the very bottom with a crack in the housing. Replaced with a new metal one.

 

It's better to replace them. They gave nine years of service. I suspect there's a crack at the bottom of mine. I'll know for sure when I pull it out.

 

Pretty clear crack. Also the gasket seems flatter at the bottom like it has lost some resilience.

 

Yep. Mine was there at the bottom.

 

I do think an aluminum one will be better, but eventually a seal replacement will be required.

 

Easiest way to get the pump out is to lift the engine, remove the carry brackets, the hose up to the throttle body, remove the light, wheel well liner and miscellaneous items.

 

All ready for parts tomorrow afternoon!


Cleaned and ready.



The old parts being replaced. If your MINI is a bit on the older side like mine, replace all three at once.

 

Any idea on the bolt torque for the water pump and the torque for the pulley bolts? My Bentley manual has a lot of missing and incorrect info. I'm suspecting it should both be in the 8Nm level. Confirmation would greatly be appreciated.

 

Well they are in. Pump 8Nm, pulley 8Nm and friction wheel 9Nm.

 

The aluminum one looks more at home than the old plastic.


New and the old.



View of the new in without the pulley.