Water pump

[liquidtension]

Hey guys,
just noticed my water pump is starting to have shaft play, will need to replace soon before it starts leaking. I'm just wondering, what is the deal with the water pump on the s50b32?
I replaced this along with fan+clutch in mid-2016 but didnt drive the car much last 2 years, before that in 2013, and 2 pumps before that. So this will be pump #5 im installing during 16 years. They just dont seem to last more than a few years. Maybe aftermarket ones suck and i should get the OEM genuine bmw?
I'm thinking about removing the clutch fan and putting a spal puller 2300cfm (is that enough alone?) in hopes that it'll reduce the loads on the pump's bearing and maybe they'll last longer.
Appreciate any thoughts or insights.

[shogun]

That is unusual wear. On my 1998 US M3 I have now the 2nd water pump installed and that runs still fine since 2015. Shaft play can come from overtightened pulley/belt tensioner maybe

[MauiM3Mania]

Maybe aftermarket ones suck and i should get the OEM genuine bmw?

I have a low mileage S50B32 and have not had an issue with water pump, but understand that they last forever compared to the S50/S52. OEM is spendy, but likely worth the investment.

A well balanced engine driven fan isn't going to put much load on the pump bearing. You might be onto something... is the fan the original?