[Workdawg]

Coming up on 100k miles and the water pump on my car has finally given out. By all accounts, it seems like I got pretty lucky to make it this far. Though perhaps the N54t in the IS somehow is more stout when it comes to the water pump.

I've been doing quite a bit of research and it seems like it's possible to replace the pump and tstat from under the car without removing much else. This is the video that I am thinking of following:

However, coming up on 100k miles, I'm wondering if there's anything else that I should consider doing as preventative maintenance while I'm doing this repair? I suppose if I follow that video, I'm not really tearing into the car much so maybe it doesn't make sense to do much else.

Also, are there any aftermarket parts I should consider here instead of OEM if the OEM stuff is prone to failure?

[alpnwss]

Oil Filter Housing Gasket/Cooler Gasket
Charge Pipe
Aluminum Coolant Flange ($11 eBay)
Check Valve Cover Gasket
Check Exhaust Gaskets behind Downpipes (mine were desintegrating at 60k)

If you've already done some of these then sorry for the redundancy. But if you haven't they're overdue for sure.

Also this video totally neglects to bleed the WP. You can search how to do it really easily. I had a battery tender so I did it a couple times just to make sure. Also, leave the undertray off until you know it's bled and working. Check for leaks etc etc.

[Boosted12a]

Yep, can be done no problem. I have an xi and did it on jack stands.mine shit the bed at 101k

[Workdawg]

alpnwss:

Thanks for the comment. I was really looking more for tips related to the coolant system, so the flange is perfect. I hadn't heard of that issue before.

As for the bleeding of the system: I did read about that process, but thanks for pointing it out just in case.

[rsyed07]

Yes it is doable from the bottom, but the PITA is getting to the top bolt on the water pump to tighten it. One is reachable the other is questionable.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Workdawg

Coming up on 100k miles and the water pump on my car has finally given out. By all accounts, it seems like I got pretty lucky to make it this far. Though perhaps the N54t in the IS somehow is more stout when it comes to the water pump.

I've been doing quite a bit of research and it seems like it's possible to replace the pump and tstat from under the car without removing much else. This is the video that I am thinking of following:

However, coming up on 100k miles, I'm wondering if there's anything else that I should consider doing as preventative maintenance while I'm doing this repair? I suppose if I follow that video, I'm not really tearing into the car much so maybe it doesn't make sense to do much else.

Also, are there any aftermarket parts I should consider here instead of OEM if the OEM stuff is prone to failure?

I don't think the N54 in the IS is more stout. I had a friend of mines 2012 335is water pump go out at 75,000 miles.

As far as being able to do the water pump & thermostat on 4 jack stands. Yes, that's very doable. Just try and get about 16" off the ground

Take the fan & FMIC out to give you some more room to work with.

100,000 maintenance is but not limited too;

1) new coils (Eldor)
2) new coolant
3) new differential fluid & filter
4) transmission flush & filter
5) power steering fluid & filter
6) replace all the gaskets in the entire intake & outlet system

7) start looking at the rear subframe's various control arms & bushings - might be time to refurbish

8) start looking at the tie rods, & two control arms in the front - might be time to refurbish

9) if you haven't replaced the suspension, you probably need too.

10) new belt & belt tensioner & pulleys

11) if you haven't upgraded to index 12 injectors, start saving your money 😉

12) engine & trans mounts - make an assessment & replace them if need be

13) I wouldn't go replacing gaskets until they come up. Although, at 100,000 miles you are due for :

A) RMS
B) VCG
C) OFHG