E70 X5 35i water pump replacement questions.

[Serf27]

It’s time for a water pump and thermostat on my 2011 E70 35i with N55 engine.
The pump has started to run while the engine is off and is draining the battery.

I saw a rough diy posted somewhere online the other day, I’ll need to look for it.
Aside from that, is there any other pointers for this job?
The diy says to pull the pump out from the top after the fan is removed.
Others say to pull the pump from the wheel well.

I also have adaptive drive, how much worse will that make it?

I DO NOT have rear seat climate control and these are the pumps I found. I’m not sure which is which.

Pierburg-$310-partgeek
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/20...ater_pump.html

Wahler thermostat for $90
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/20...hermostat.html
Parts geek prices are up there, so I might not go that route.
Parts geek does also list an “auxiliary water pump” with different style hose connections, is that for a different engine?

This site has a whole pierburg kit but I’ve never heard of the site.
https://oembimmerparts.com/collectio...38112799424672

FCP had a VDO kit for $457 with lifetime replacement, I’ll probably go this route.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...11517632426kt3

Will any of those pumps work? The connector on the pump is more square.
Real oem shows a rectangular connector when I input my vin, I’m not sure if real oem uses a generic photo or if I need a different pump.
I’ve never replaced the U shaped hose on any thermostat/pump jobs. Being that this might be more difficult than the n52 engine, I should just replace that hose too, right?

Thanks.

[analbumcover]

I'm not being helpful, just subscribing since I will need to do this soon and would like the answer too.

Also, any chance you can share DIY tips/post pics when you do the replacement?

[Dekero]

The water pump replacement is a bytch of a job... Pull the fan for sure and it's easier to disconnect the hoses that run up the front side of the motor and move them out of the way..

Yes about the U hose as well as any other hose you touch you should try to replace them, with the exception being the hose running to the passenger side of the block that is half Aluminum... I left that mess alone...

Get the piersbirg all metal pump, and def. Replace the thermostat....

And always buy from FCP Euro, they warranty everything forever, you'll never buy another one.

Access to everything is tight... Make sure your plug and pump connection are clean and dry, they are on the BSD hub and will mess up your IBS sensor,oil sensor and alternator if they short out due to fluid contamination....ask me how I know...

This is a great time to replace the Mickey mouse flange and hose!! If you need help with a link let me know

[Serf27]

What links do you have?

Did your x5 have adaptive drive?
I think that’s going to cause the biggest delays in this job.

I’ll get the U hose and probably go with VDO for the price difference.

[jcattletown]

Stay away from the Pierburg pump and buy the VDO pump instead. I bought the former and it was defective because the dimension of the electrical connector was slightly off so the plug would not go all the way to its lock position. I had to return that pump to FCPEuro for exchange to a VDO pump. I ended up removing and installing the pump twice.

[Serf27]

I ordered the VDO pump, thermostat and I shaped hose from FCP.
I am not looking forward to this.
I can do the n52 pump in about 2 hours. Hopefully the n55 and active steering don’t get in my way.

I’ll take pictures along the way to help others.

[Cbrvsr1]

N55 e70 35i.
1. VDO/Continental water pump
2. Thermostat FCP Euro
3. New bolts with Loctite
4. Center water inlet ( metal/bilet ) coolant flange with hose. FCP Euro
FYI use Gasket sealer on flange.
5. C-Shape hose from pump to thermostat ( dealer ) . FCP Euro is a little short.
6. Drive belt tensioner and continental serpentine belt with bolt.
7. Upper and lower idle pulley

key steps:
Take pictures of the orientation of hose, clamps of part fittings.
If you touch it, replace it.
Be carful when removing thermostat wires. They are very small and easy to damage.

The fun part.
1. Remove fan shroud and all necessary parts above to get to it.
2. Remove lower plastic and metal shield beneath the car.
3. Remove passenger front wheel.
5. Remove plastic near control arm upper and lower. This will give you access to the hoses and thermostat.
6. I removed the thermostat from the passenger side wheel .
7. The water pump was removed from the top after finding a opening from the bottom.
8. Only remove necessary hoses.
I found it easier to leave the c shaped hose on. The same goes for the water inlet hose.
9. You will need a swivel tool and extension to assist with the bolt removal.

You will be entertained for hours.
Enjoy!!!

[Cbrvsr1]

Replace hoses once removed from the vehicle

[Serf27]

I removed the pump and thermostat today.
From the time I grabbed the jack to the time the pump was pulled out, it took about 1.7 hours.
The hose that goes from the coolant pipe on the block to the water pump was the worst, oh and the coolant, coolant everywhere!

I removed the pump and thermostat with the u shape hose attached to both and left the hose that goes to the cylinder head on the thermostat.

Tomorrow I will finish the install and post pictures I took for a DIY.