E39 Waterpump replacement

[ZeroR2]

It seems that my waterpump is kaput. My 97 540i has just under 90K miles and the waterpump has never been replaced. Do you recommend using an OEM or aftermarket pump and why? How long does it take for a mechanic to replace the pump? I am handy, but never worked on my car except for oil changes and minor repairs. Is this something that I should try to do on my own or would you let it be handled by a professional? I wish that I could find some guy to help me in my garage and pay him (not retail rates). I live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. What other items would it be wise to replace at the same time? Thanks for your help.

[FP5241]

chances are if the waterpump has never been replaced, neither has the rest of the cooling system. 90K or so is about the life expectancy of these systems. If you can afford it, a cooling system overhaul would be ideal. (Radiator, waterpump, thermostat, fan clutch, expansion tank, belts, hoses)

Also, give the regional section a shot to find local help.. you might get lucky.
Welcome to bfc.
:thumbup:

[TFD528iT]

Hello E39 friend. I too change my oil on the Touring, and have also done a brake job of pads and rotors on all four corners, and have replaced the alternator on my woman's jetta. I too am not very mechanically inclined. My philosophy, is that if i'm going to be driving bmw I want to learn how to wrench on them.

In all I say go for it. Why, because I too am about to do a complete cooling fix for my Touring. New radiator, expansion tank, hoses, water pump, thermo stat, fan blade, maybe new fan clutch, and some of the pullys while i'm in there and have access.

Don't be afraid, it's only time and money. There is always tomorrow, and for most another paycheck. Plus this board is such a great help with write-ups and pics. Also, if you don't have one, i suggest getting the bentley manual for your E39.

So, get the parts you need, assemble the tools you will use. Pick up a six of your favorite adult beverage(if you enjoy adult beverages) And go to work...
Good luck with it.

In the first picture, note the bentley manual behind me.
In the second picture note the cold beer beside me.



http://royzoellner.com/bmw/workingontouring.jpg

http://royzoellner.com/bmw/workingontouring2.jpg

[FP5241]

^Good work!^

I had help from Mark aka e39dream with my cooling system, (among other things)
But i mustered up the courage to do my alternator, valve cover gasket, oil changes and vanos gasket replacement myself. I never considered myself a car guy, but these cars are really straight forward to work on. Now i need to tackle my brakes.. and a few sensors here and there... if only the weather would wam up.. :shifty

[Jason5driver]

I would look into getting the EMP Stewart Water Pump!
It is much more effective than the OEM WP.

I think Jared at www.EACtuning.com (http://www.EACtuning.com) has them for-sale right now too.
I know he sells them cheaper than anyone else.

I plan on getting one as soon as I have the money...

Jason

[Kent]

I don't think that Stewart makes pumps for 540s
Kent

[Steve528]

yah i have only seen stewart steel implellar WP for I6's only..

[BlackBMWs]

i don't think that stewart makes pumps for 540s
kent

+1 :(

[ZeroR2]

Thanks you all for the information and quick response. I am going to order all the parts and a manual for a complete upgrade and hope to start next weekend. I will keep you posted. I really appreciate your inputs. I have always hesitated on working on my car and this situation will get me going for any future projects. I know that my lower timing cover gasket is leaking a little. I just don't have the guts and time to work on that now. I will have to remove the waterpump again when replacing that gasket. But that will be in a few months. Thanks again.