Hi, I recently wrote in for advice on what should be replaced when the water pump is replaced in a 2003 base model 5 speed mini. I was told the drive belt and tensioner should be replaced. I think someone also mentioned that a hose, or hoses, should be replaced. Does anyone know the name(s)?

I purchase my own parts and the mechanic (a non mini dealer) does the repairs. When I looked up parts for the tensioner, I got a lot of different listings on ebay. I'm assuming the whole thing should be replaced, and not just a part of it? I am guessing that some of the auctions I saw were for just a part of the tensioner (maybe a portion of it went bad? I'm just guessing). If someone could supply a part # for this, and anything else I have mentioned below, I would appreciate it:


- water pump
- drive belt
- tensioner
- hose?
- hose?
- and also, sparkplugs - are there 4 of them?

Thank you so much!
Monica

 

Hey Monica! Welcome to NAM!

As far as part numbers, RealOEM.com is the best service for this.

• Belt tensioner and belt here.
• Water Pump here. (#1) I recommend replacing the thermostat (#12)+ thermostat housing (#10) as well.
• Not sure which hoses you're referring to, however. Maybe one of the R50 guys can chime in? My initial assumption is that you're thinking of the upper and lower radiator hoses, in which case
  those are here. (#10 & #11)

For spark plugs, I'd just go to your friendly local auto parts store. Best plugs are NGK BKR6EQUP. Should be pretty cheap, like $25 or so.

 

Moving this to the Stock Problems/Issues section.

Assuming you are having the radiator coolant replaced when you have the water pump changed? Also have you changed the interior cabin filter lately?

 

Thank you so much sarom058! r53coop thank you for mentioning this because I would not have known to ask for this to get done and I don't know if the mechanic would have done it automatically or not. Thank you both!

 

No thanks needed, Mini folks need to stick together.

 

sarom058 - based on the diagram you sent for #10, thermostat housing, does that mean I need both the $24.56 part and the $33.64 part?

 

FYI - I typically buy my parts through PelicanParts.com. You can just paste part numbers straight in their search. Great vendor.

Short answer to your question is yes, you'd need both if you replace the thermostat housing.

Part #10 is the thermostat housing - $24.56. The part where it says "only in conjunction with thermostat with gasket" lists the required part with it - the thermostat $33.64. You'll notice the part number next to that is the same as #12.

 

^^ What he said! Pelican is king. I use them for almost all of my OEM replacement parts that need to be new. A lot of the stuff on ebay is relatively low quality. I definitely wouldn't go ebay water pump or thermostat.

As far as the thermostat housing, just check if the part you're purchasing includes a thermostat with gasket. If it does, no need to buy part #12 (11537596787). The price will usually be ~$25 higher for thermostat housings with a thermostat included.

 

Thank you both for the support. We appreciate it and your business a great deal.

To the OP, if you ever need anything please do not hesitate to shoot me a PM on here as I would be more than happy to assist you with any parts or tech questions you may have.

 

sarom058 - if you were getting a water pump and thermostat, would you get the BMW brand, or would you settle for another brand that is less expensive but still considered OEM on the same site? this stuff gets so confusing. I'm trying not to go cheaper where I should not, and go less expensive where I can.

 

Car manufacturers normally buy many of the parts from other companies that specialize in certain areas. BMW and Mini are no different. On the t-stat, the cost difference between OEM and Non OEM is not that much. It would be logical in your position to go with the OEM.

On the water pump, it is also logical to ask how long do you plan on keeping the car? How many miles are on it? On the water pumps there is a good difference in costs between OEM and Non OEM, but, you must ask yourself if $150 (approximate difference) is worth saving.

 

r53coop - ok I understand. So the non oem parts are good, but they may not hold up long term like the oem parts. That's good to know. Thank you so much.

 

r53coop - another thing I didn't realize...that non BMW parts can still be considered OEM.

 

Correct. XYZ company makes parts for BMW that say BMW but also sells the same part that says XYZ. What part do you think costs more?

 

I suggest you read over our FAQ regarding OEM, Genuine, OE, etc. It'll also give you some great insight on what the difference between all the parts are. Check it out here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/OEM_FAQ.htm