Looks like my 158K 2009 R56 base may need a water pump. Guess 158K is pretty good.

Doesn't look too bad a job. I have the Bentley manual and the Pelican Parts article. Pelican says to lower the engine a bit.

So, replace my friction wheel and acc belt while I'm there?

Looking at Saleri, Hepu and Mini pumps. Opinions?

Any other advice?

 

Friction wheel and a belt would probably be a good idea since you're in there already. Look for a pump that utilizes a metal impeller instead of a plastic one. No real need to lower the engine in my opinion.

 

Over the last 25 years I've had only bad experiences with after market Mini and BMW water pumps. They never last as long as the OEM.

If the thermostat and water pipe are much older than 5-7 years, consider replacing both, they will cost you less time and money than a flatbed.

It is a bit of a pain, see if you can get assistance from someone with small hands for the pump bolts.

I've found that Dayco belts last really well (5060353 is the Dayco part number for the N18, don't know if that fits a base)

 

Thanks! I spoke to Pelican and they advised replacing the pipe as well.

They told me that Saleri makes the mini pump and is the identical item. What brand pumps have you had problems with?

I don't disagree with you about the thermostat, but there is no advantage to replacing it at the same time as the water pump that I can see in terms of the area that I'll be working in.

Lowering the engine doesn't seem much trouble and looks like it will greatly approve my access.

 

Never used a Salieri but Hepu and Graf are names I avoid in water pumps.

Water pipe and thermostat are accessed together, pump can be done separately.

 

Call Aaron at outmotoring.com he will point you in the right direction and might have what you need already. He had the upgraded water pump back in April when I was there, little incident on the Dragon led to a cooling system refresh.

 

You don't have to change out the pipe and thermostat to change the water pump. Water pump can be removed without disturbing the pipe and thermostat.

You have to remove the thermostat to replace the water pipe, so might as well replace it since it has to come out anyway. Since they are electronically controlled, they don't last forever.

​​​​​​​I have an OEM water pipe listed in the Marketplace... just saying... I can make you a deal.