Engine overheating problem - water pump?

[igorbmwx6]

More than a month ago I started getting "low coolant" messages on my 09 X5 E70 3.0si. After getting tired of adding more coolant once-a-week, I stopped by my local car shop, where mechanic administered pressure test on my cooling system and identified problem - small leak in radiator. Then he suggested two options, one-replace radiator $600+labor or $5 - four small pills dropped into the system, which would dissolve and fix the problem. I chose the $5 option . Last night, on my way home I get this new message "engine overheating, stop the car and get it towed to BMW". I have 55k miles on my X5. Do you think this is electric water pump issue? Could it be related to the pills that I put into cooling system over a month ago? I have read many X5 owners are having some issues with electric water cooling pump on X5 E70's, shouldn't BMW have a recall on these, since it is one of the most common issues on 07-10 BMW X5 E70 3.0 after 35-55 miles? Thank you in advance for your comments and/or suggestions on this one ...

[wsybert]

So you chose a $5 snake oil "fix" instead of really fixing it. Who knows what else it will plug up along with the hole.
You are going to need a thorough flush and rad replacement most likely, and maybe a pump.
Good luck.

[jimmy08awd]

Most likely is the water pump. Mine went out with no warning last month at 52K miles. Expect to pay b/w 1,200-1,400. Was told this is the part has been revised three times. Not under a recall though. SA said it isn't a safety issue. Seems pretty unsafe to me...car loses power and goes into limp mode. You run the risk of damaging engine running on limp mode for and extended time.
I hope third time is the charm hope it doesn't leave me stranded somewhere in the future.

[igorbmwx6]

It seems list this electric water pump is a major issue for BMW's. Especially X5 E70's. I've been reading way too many complaints about this same electric water pump issue from owners of BMW X5's 2007-2011. I am hoping that maybe BMW of North America will recognize this issue, setup a formal recall and start replacing them with a better quality water pump at no charge. This is a major issue, in my opinion. Here is what I was able to find on the internet regarding this case:

2009 BMW X5 SAV cooling system service bulletin (Bulletin RC-11V-521)
Bulletin Date: Dec. 1, 2011
Component: Cooling system.
Bulletin Summary: BMW: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year 2008-2011 vehicles, a defect involving the electric auxiliary water pump can over heat or fail to cool engine and fire may occur in vehicle or engine compartment.
Vehicles covered in this TSB:

2008 BMW 5-series
2009 BMW 5-series
2010 BMW 5-series
2008 BMW 5-series Gran Turismo
2009 BMW 5-series Gran Turismo
2010 BMW 5-series Gran Turismo
2011 BMW 5-series Gran Turismo
2008 BMW 7 Series
2008 BMW 7-series
2009 BMW 7-series
2010 BMW 7-series
2011 BMW 7-series
2008 BMW X5
2009 BMW X5
2010 BMW X5
2011 BMW X5
2008 BMW X6
2009 BMW X6
2010 BMW X6
2011 BMW X6

http://www.carproblemzoo.com/tsb/bmw/x5/2009-bmw-x5.php

[igorbmwx6]

Ended up being the ..... what else .... BMW original electric water pump. Had it replaced over the weekend, all is good now

[blue dragon]

Considered doing preventative maintenance on this, but it turns out the diesel uses a mechanical pump!

Goooooo 35D!!

[igorbmwx6]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

Considered doing preventative maintenance on this, but it turns out the diesel uses a mechanical pump!

Goooooo 35D!!

Lucky