Get the latest advice about your car

Get Started
Advice » Q&A » 1999 BMW 328i

Q&A

Ask Your Question

1999 BMW 328i

Question: How Often Should Water Pumps / ThermostatsBe Changed

Question

smbmw7, Santa Monica, CA, January 29, 2010, 20:43
Profile_thumbnail
 Rookie

I am concerned that if the water pump and/or thermostat fails then my family or I could be stuff at a inconvenient time / place. This there a guideline when these items should be replaced (year and/or milage) to be prudent. This car is going on its 12th year and we plan to keep it for the foreseeable future.
Thanks

2 Answers
Answer It
Flag This
  • Medium-star Best Answer
    patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, January 30, 2010, 08:51
    Profile_thumbnail
     Master

    The thermostat usually gives warning of lower running temperature or poor heater output if it fails open and over heating if it fails shut. I would change the thermostat next cooling system flush if it has not been changed in the last 6 years, 60,000 miles. Waterpumps on some cars in particular are an issue or common failure. Some VW, Audi,Jaguar and BMW have the water pump impeller fall off. The water pump is not really a maintenance item . Call a local independent BMW shop in your area and just ask them do they see a "pattern failure " of water pump issues with your model year and see if they recommend replacement.

    Reply
    Flag This

  • Answer #2

    jboat1 April 18, 2010, 06:49
    Profile_thumbnail
     Rookie

    i changed mine @ 115000 or so it started making noise but I got 145000 out of my 525i

    Reply
    Flag This
Answer Ranks

This week's top 10

1 globalhelper 6 Autohaus Lake Norman
2 milesauto 7 obdcar
3 csubak30 8 TimGoodreau
4 Diagnostechs Mobile Service 9 raiderron
5 jose8889 10 Merrimack Auto