[1QwkEvo]

Hey guys,

Just received my new VDO pump from FCPeuro and I don't really even want to install it.

Take a look at this pump, it appears they plastiwelded a broken housing cover and sold me a pump for $500.

Would you install this?

[IMG][/IMG]

I currently have a good pump installed with ~70k miles on it...this would be preventative maintenance.

[AM330i]

If your not happy with the part, return it and get another one. They have a life time warranty on all parts.

[BeastMode335i]

What he said ^^

[1QwkEvo]

Contacted FCPeuro and was told all VDO and genuine BMW pumps have the seam line as apparently the plastic housing is manufactured in two pieces.

Seems like an engineered failure point to me to ensure a steady revenue stream...brilliant, but infuriating!

FCP acknowledged my unit looked a bit worse than most on the shelf so I'm getting it replaced....fingers crossed the next one is in better shape.

Has anyone tried to reinforce this seam with JB weld?

[anjuna]

Originally Posted by 1QwkEvo

Contacted FCPeuro and was told all VDO and genuine BMW pumps have the seam line as apparently the plastic housing is manufactured in two pieces.

Seems like an engineered failure point to me to ensure a steady revenue stream...brilliant, but infuriating!

FCP acknowledged my unit looked a bit worse than most on the shelf so I'm getting it replaced....fingers crossed the next one is in better shape.

Has anyone tried to reinforce this seam with JB weld?

[N54POWR]

Originally Posted by 1QwkEvo

Contacted FCPeuro and was told all VDO and genuine BMW pumps have the seam line as apparently the plastic housing is manufactured in two pieces.

Seems like an engineered failure point to me to ensure a steady revenue stream...brilliant, but infuriating!

FCP acknowledged my unit looked a bit worse than most on the shelf so I'm getting it replaced....fingers crossed the next one is in better shape.

Has anyone tried to reinforce this seam with JB weld?

I just did this. Last one cracked after 15k

[mfractal]

Yup. Normal. Just installed mine a few months ago. It looked the same as OP

[arhoads335i]

Originally Posted by N54POWR

I just did this. Last one cracked after 15k

Haha wait so you guys are saying we should smother our water pump in JB weld before install? If it works that's crazy that they couldn't revise the part

[N54POWR]

Originally Posted by arhoads335i

Haha wait so you guys are saying we should smother our water pump in JB weld before install? If it works that's crazy that they couldn't revise the part

We shall see. This is a first for me. Does seem stupid there isn't some sort of aftermarket option for this. It's just ridiculous that if you google 'n54 cracked water pump' you just see the same crack in the same place over and over.
If this one cracks, I'll update this post.

[n2siast]

My first, second and third one cracked in the same place. I had a 4th one, less than 20K miles and found out after I parted out my car that it too was cracked in the same spot.

[1QwkEvo]

So I'm the OP and I'm still waiting on my replacement WP from FCPeuro.

So if the one currently installed is not leaking and has 70+k miles, would you replace it with one of the VDO pumps proactively, or wait for the one installed to fail?

I'm thinking I don't fix what isn't broken, but then I don't want to be stranded 100+ miles from home either Sounds like I could still be stranded with a VDO special 15-20k miles from now anyway

[STR8-6IX]

ok first off dont be changing shit thats not broken to begin with

I've heard of people getting more issues changing a perfectly good pump with a new one rather then just leaving it alone

[n2siast]

Originally Posted by 1QwkEvo

So I'm the OP and I'm still waiting on my replacement WP from FCPeuro.

So if the one currently installed is not leaking and has 70+k miles, would you replace it with one of the VDO pumps proactively, or wait for the one installed to fail?

I'm thinking I don't fix what isn't broken, but then I don't want to be stranded 100+ miles from home either Sounds like I could still be stranded with a VDO special 15-20k miles from now anyway

So, I'll clarify my original post, my first pump actually failed, the other's cracked.

With that said, I'd take my chances with the crack as you can still drive it, because, at least in my case, it was hairline cracks and the leaks were minimal. I drove for more than month before replacing as the coolant actually leaked out slowly, only having to top off once a week or so.

[ATLIEN]

That job is not the easiest in the world so I would personally get the right part without a crack. For some parts it makes sense to get one from a parts store where you can see it before you buy.

[1QwkEvo]

Originally Posted by STR8-6IX

ok first off dont be changing shit thats not broken to begin with

I've heard of people getting more issues changing a perfectly good pump with a new one rather then just leaving it alone

As a 25+ year Mitsubishi guy, I agree with this 100%, however, this is my first e90 and I've heard such horror stories with these pumps.

I just don't want myself and my family stranded in the middle of nowhere... Yet the car is so nice I want to use it for trips

[hassmaschine]

keep the VDO pump in the trunk, so at least you'll have the parts on hand if you need to do an emergency repair in the middle of Hicksville, Nebrahoma.

Otherwise I agree there's not much point in replacing a working pump with one that seems just as likely to fail anyway.

[1QwkEvo]

What about the all metal pumps from the n52, could that be fitted with an adapter plate, and would it flow enough all while keeping the computer happy?

[hassmaschine]

no, the N52 pump is only 200w, the N54 pump is 400w. it's not directly bolt-on anyway.

it seems like it some manufacture would figure out people would be willing to pay for an N54 pump in a metal housing like the N52.. Maybe you guys should start contacting some different companies?

[1QwkEvo]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

no, the N52 pump is only 200w, the N54 pump is 400w. it's not directly bolt-on anyway.

it seems like it some manufacture would figure out people would be willing to pay for an N54 pump in a metal housing like the N52.. Maybe you guys should start contacting some different companies?

I knew the bolt pattern was different, but since there is no coolant passages directly from the pump to the block, I figured we could simply use an adapter plate.

I was however unaware of the difference in output, that's unfortunate.

So what year range do these plastic housing pumps extend to?

There would have to be a large demand for manufacturers to gear up to produce these....

[John 070]

Originally Posted by anjuna

I have to admit, JB Weld is pretty good stuff.....maybe not here though....

[John 070]

Originally Posted by 1QwkEvo

So I'm the OP and I'm still waiting on my replacement WP from FCPeuro.

So if the one currently installed is not leaking and has 70+k miles, would you replace it with one of the VDO pumps proactively, or wait for the one installed to fail?

I'm thinking I don't fix what isn't broken, but then I don't want to be stranded 100+ miles from home either Sounds like I could still be stranded with a VDO special 15-20k miles from now anyway

I asked the indie this very question and he said he WOULD NOT proactively replace a water pump, he's seen 50k, and he's seen 120k. I figured that was honest advice since why wouldn't he just say to replace if all he wanted to do was make a buck, right?

Wonder if OEM has the same crack....

dunno what they get to ship and seems to be made by Continental and has a core

https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...517632426.html

edit: no core, $398 OEM

https://getbmwparts.com/parts/index....&siteid=214672

[PhaseP]

Wonder if OEM has the same crack....

All the same Continental, compare the pictures:

BMW OEM:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...p/11517632426/

VDO:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-vdo-part...517632426~vdo/

Vemo:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-vemo-q+-...517632426~veq/

I have seen pictures of ones sold under Gates name also, again same pump.