removing water pump

[bsaa10bill]

The plastic reservoir on the side of the radiator cracked so I'm replacing the thermostat and water pump, my '04 z4 2.5 with automatic has 100k miles. When trying to remove the water pump it hits into the stamped steel x member in front of the engine , so I can't get it out. My manual doesn't address it and I can't find any reference to this problem on the internet. How do I get this out with out dismantling half the car?

 

[Mangozac]

According to the TIS instructions you need to lift the engine into "installation position": unbolt the engine mount and raise the engine by 30mm. Have you got an engine crane?

 

[patriot66]

According to the TIS instructions you need to lift the engine into "installation position": unbolt the engine mount and raise the engine by 30mm. Have you got an engine crane?

Or jack the engine up on a trolley jack.

 

[Mangozac]

Or jack the engine up on a trolley jack.

I wonder if there's any downside to doing it that way? It seems easier so why wouldn't BMW specify that method?

 

[G-A-R-Y]

Remove left side engine mount nut and slide a low profile jack underneath. If you take time to line the jack up you won't need to remove the plastic belly cover. I used a socket extension bar and placed this on top the jack, directly under the mount and got another person to jack. Very easy to do. Thermostats are expensive because they are electric. You can buy the joint separately. Euro car parts reservoir is OEM.
I hope this helps. I did all mine in one go.

 

[GreyZed]

Thermostats are expensive because they are electric. You can buy the joint separately. .

Not sure why they have an electrical connection on the M54 as they are deffo not mapped stats like on the N52. Maybe just a sensor? My Zed coolant only ever heats up and sits at 90 degrees plus or minus 3 degrees as observed on the Intravee whether hoofing it, cruising or stuck in traffic.

Our X3 with the N52 engine displays at least 3 different behaviours sometimes at 87 sometimes around 94 and occasionally up at 102/3 indicating different maps for different engine loads.

OP if you have an auto there is a second stat that goes under the expansion tank which is worth doing at the same time.

 

[G-A-R-Y]

Thermostats are expensive because they are electric. You can buy the joint separately. .

Not sure why they have an electrical connection on the M54 as they are deffo not mapped stats like on the N52.

My 2.5i (2004 E85) definitely had an electrical connection/plug, which allows for partial control off the thermostat.