BMW Repair services – Fixing a Faulty Water Pump

BMW remains to date, one of the top brands in the automobile industry. The German automakers have been around for quite some time, and they have become popular for manufacturing sleek and compact luxury sports cars. However, if you own a BMW 325i, 330i or 335i then you need to be aware of the fact that the water pump of your BMW car could develop a problem capable of ruining your driving experience.

How Does The BMW Water Pump Work?

BMWs were one of the first brands of automobiles to feature an electric water pump. The job of the water pump is to circulate engine coolant around the cooling system in the engine compartment. The coolant, in turn, keeps the engine cool and prevents it from overheating. If the water pump fails or develops a fault, the coolant will not be circulated, and consequently, the cooling system will malfunction. A malfunctioning water pump is terrible for the engine of your BMW.

What Are The Signs Of A Faulty Water Pump?

While running, the engine of your car generates a substantial amount of heat, and the engine’s cooling system is responsible for cooling the engine to keep it running an optimum temperature. If your water pump fails, the cooling system may not be able to efficiently reduce the heat expelled during engine combustion. As such, the first and most obvious sign of a failing or failed water pump is overheating characterized by smoke emanating from the engine compartment.

If you notice a coolant (a greenish or reddish sweet-smelling fluid) leak beneath your engine, there is most likely a leak in the cooling system allowing the coolant to flow out. Insufficient coolant to absorb the heat generated by the engine could also cause the engine to overheat. You may also experience engine stalling, and in some severe cases, your car may refuse to start altogether. If you observe any of these signs, you most likely have a failed water pump in your hands, and it’s best you take your car in for repairs.

What Causes the BMW Water Pump to Fail?

The water pump is just one component of the engine’s cooling system which is composed of other components including the head gasket, thermostat, and radiator. If any of these components malfunction, it could affect the normal operation of the water pump subsequently leading to its malfunction. Coolant leaks can also cause the water pump to fail. Air can go into the cooling system through the cracks to create hot spots which can damage not just the water pump but other components of the cooling system as well. Furthermore, water pumps, like other components of your BMW are liable to wear and tear. Thus, if your car has up to 60,000 miles on it, your water pump may be worn out and due for a replacement.

How Do You Fix a Water Pump Problem?

If you suspect the water pump of your BMW is faulty, especially in a situation where the engine is overheating, it is not recommended that you drive your car in that condition. The first thing you should do is to open the hood of your car to let out the smoke, then get your vehicle towed to the nearest automobile repair shop for diagnosis and repairs.
Here, in repairing a water pump, we will first carry out diagnostic tests to confirm that the water pump is the faulty component. A technician will inspect the area around the water pump and the entire cooling system for any signs of wetness and leaks. We will also run codes on the engine’s computer to check if it is an electrical problem to determine the mode of repairs. Once we have concluded that the water pump is faulty, we will then proceed with the repairs.

The best way of fixing a faulty water pump is to replace it with a new one. Depending on the extent of damage to the cooling system, replacing the thermostat, radiator cap, and gasket together with the water pump is usually recommended. This will help prevent problems that may arise from faulty components in the cooling system. We will also top up the coolant levels to ensure that there is enough coolant in the system to be circulated by the water pump. Once repairs are finished, your engine cooling system will be as good as new.

Finally, you do not have to wait for your water pump to malfunction before you replace it. Regular maintenance and servicing will help arrest any faulty component before it causes severe damage to ensure that your car is operating at an optimum level.

European Service Center has been servicing European cars for over 35 years. If you are experiencing a water pump issue with your BMW, schedule your service today to experience our water pump service and repair. Our highly rated reviews speak volumes to the seriousness we put into serving our customers. You can contact us here, and we look forward to serving your needs.