Water pump - warning signals ?

[Cliffschum58]

What is the best way to determine if elec water pump needs to be replaced any time soon ? Vehicle has 110K miles, no issues. Have a BT kit -- shows no error codes, and I'm not sure what actual pump values to monitor. BMW doesn't recommend fluid change, so I'm assuming coolant color is not an indicator ?

Read thru enough posts here to raise my concern level, but can't really justify replacing without a concrete reason --- even though it appears they can fail rather suddenly..

Thanks for any guidance from the experts here.

Cliff
2006 330i

[mryakan]

Usually the cooling fan running harder and getting louder and staying on more often than before when the car is shut off is an indication, but it can still fail without those symptoms or any warnings. Not sure if failures can be caught via decoding internal diag info, need a tech to weigh in on that.

[spicytofu]

what exactly fails in the water pump? If it is the propellers, then BMW can predict it by measuring the actual flow. If it is the motor, they can measure the current draw (coil windings draw more as they near the end of life, then they overheat) I dont think BMW has either of these prevention mechanisms in place.

[E36graduate]

At 114K the original pump in my 335xi threw the code! I believe you will start to hear the fan stay on a little longer than usual. Once you notice, it will probably be too late and the yellow light will come on followed by the red light. I swear I was getting worse gas mileage just before the pump failed.... I would do it now, not trying to scare you, but it's going to happen soon. About $625 delivered from Turner (with all the bolts, extra hose, clamps and thermostat). Not too hard of a job.

[dangonay]

what exactly fails in the water pump? If it is the propellers, then BMW can predict it by measuring the actual flow. If it is the motor, they can measure the current draw (coil windings draw more as they near the end of life, then they overheat) I dont think BMW has either of these prevention mechanisms in place.Actually BMW does in fact monitor the electric pump. It's connected with a serial interface to the DME. It can't diagnose every possible fault, but catches a lot. Most electric water pumps I've replaced were because of a stored code in the DME that indicated there was a fault with the pump.

[Berts]

Hello Mryakan, I just recently replaced my water pump (06 325i) and now my radiator fan engages almost as soon as i Turn my car on. Would you know what might be my problem ? I need help urgently. Is there anyway to check if my water pump is still no good ? I tried reading through posts but everyone seems to start arguing with no answer in sight =( thank you all and any input is greatly appreciated.