Water pump
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Water pump
Thinking of getting a E87 3.0i but this water pump problem is a worry, is there a way to check if it has been changed.
Re: Water pump
Hello and welcome
Good choice - the 130i is the best of the E series hatchbacks...IMO of course!
Other than having a good poke around and seeing if it looks clean (and that's not a definitive test), no, the only way is to check the history and ask the seller. Service life of these pumps seems to vary. My 135i pump failed at under 50,000 miles, but some owners' report that theirs are still going strong at over 100,000 miles. Budget about £500 to get it done and use it as a negotiation point.
I'd be checking the classifieds on this forum before buying elsewhere - I think that buying one from an enthusiast is safest way to find a good one.
Good choice - the 130i is the best of the E series hatchbacks...IMO of course!
Other than having a good poke around and seeing if it looks clean (and that's not a definitive test), no, the only way is to check the history and ask the seller. Service life of these pumps seems to vary. My 135i pump failed at under 50,000 miles, but some owners' report that theirs are still going strong at over 100,000 miles. Budget about £500 to get it done and use it as a negotiation point.
I'd be checking the classifieds on this forum before buying elsewhere - I think that buying one from an enthusiast is safest way to find a good one.
2008 E81 130i
2010 E82 135i - now sold
2010 E82 135i - now sold
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Re: Water pump
Thanks, I've had a E46 330ci for the last 8 years so I tend to keep cars that I like a long time.
If the pumps been done, does it last longer than the original?
If the pumps been done, does it last longer than the original?
Re: Water pump
Mine very politely died (at around 85k miles I think) just as I was arriving home from the shops 
It was an expensive repair but it's the only thing that's broken in 3-4 years of owning the car (unless you count the filler cap spring breaking
) so I wouldn't let it put you off buying a 130i.

It was an expensive repair but it's the only thing that's broken in 3-4 years of owning the car (unless you count the filler cap spring breaking

Sparkling Graphite Pre-FL 130i
BMWP Front Brakes, 135i Rear Brakes, BMWP Exhaust, Bilstein B14, Rear Subframe Inserts, M3 Differential, M3 Front Arms, Camber Plates, 18x9" Enkei wheels, AD08-R Tyres 235/255, Recaro PP
BMWP Front Brakes, 135i Rear Brakes, BMWP Exhaust, Bilstein B14, Rear Subframe Inserts, M3 Differential, M3 Front Arms, Camber Plates, 18x9" Enkei wheels, AD08-R Tyres 235/255, Recaro PP
- marco_polo
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Re: Water pump
No, same longevity. Bargain on a new one every 80,000 miles approx.sidsilver2 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 13, 2018 9:34 amIf the pumps been done, does it last longer than the original?
Anecdotally it seems changing the coolant every 3-4 years (per the G48 coolant chemists' advice) seems to prolong their life. That's much cheaper at £15ish.
Silver F21 M135i - ManBox - HK - Adaptive + Eibach Pro's - BBS CH-R's - BMWP Drexler LSD - M4 LCA's
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Re: Water pump
Mine lasted 125k miles and has just been replaced by a local specialist when I noticed it was on its way. Got mine done for around £400 but running sweet as a nut now 

2007/57 E81 130i in Black Sapphire with Full Heated Leather, Remap to 285BHP, Bilstein B8 Dampers, Eibach Springs, K&N Panel Filter, Anthracite Rims, Black Kidney Grills, Colour Coded Eyelids, Nexus7 in-dash Tablet, Bluetooth.
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Re: Water pump
Thanks everyone, is that for all years or are the later ones ok?
Re: Water pump
To be honest with you, if any seller doesn't call out when the water pump was changed in the description I wouldn't buy as I would be wary of them. Most 130i Sellers know this is a common problem and will let you know when they changed it.
In terms of longevity, On my 130i which now has 136k on the clock, the water pump lasted right up until 132k miles!!! If the car is well maintained these can be quite reliable. But yeah it's a £400-500 fix due to labour costs. But it's probably the only major fault with these cars, I fell like mine could go another 100k easily!
I'm selling btw, PM me for details.
In terms of longevity, On my 130i which now has 136k on the clock, the water pump lasted right up until 132k miles!!! If the car is well maintained these can be quite reliable. But yeah it's a £400-500 fix due to labour costs. But it's probably the only major fault with these cars, I fell like mine could go another 100k easily!
I'm selling btw, PM me for details.

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Re: Water pump
I'm good with spanners (ex mechanic) so labour is not a problem.
Re: Water pump
Over 150k miles on my original water pump before I changed it as a precaution - seems to be pot luck on how long they last. Maybe mine lasted because the vast majority of use has been for long journeys with very little urban commuting....who knows?
Not a difficult DIY job if you’re reasonably handy with the spanners - about £300 for quality parts (do thermostat and the discharge hose at same time) and then 3-4 hours of swearing & bleeding knuckles.
As others and I have said many times, they are brilliant little cars and tough as old boots if looked after.
Not a difficult DIY job if you’re reasonably handy with the spanners - about £300 for quality parts (do thermostat and the discharge hose at same time) and then 3-4 hours of swearing & bleeding knuckles.
As others and I have said many times, they are brilliant little cars and tough as old boots if looked after.
Last edited by swanny71 on Tue Nov 13, 2018 11:51 am, edited 2 times in total.
Current: 130i & 1M
Previous: Exige V6, TVR's, e90 M3, 156 GTA, 182 Trophy, 306 GTi-6 + others (some crap, some not so crap)
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- marco_polo
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Re: Water pump
All years, my 2014 N55 pump will have the same longevity. Nothing to worry about unduly, a new one is only around £250 + fitting.sidsilver2 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 13, 2018 11:25 amThanks everyone, is that for all years or are the later ones ok?
Silver F21 M135i - ManBox - HK - Adaptive + Eibach Pro's - BBS CH-R's - BMWP Drexler LSD - M4 LCA's
Please help the Mod's by using the report [ ! ] button where appropriate
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Re: Water pump
Thanks again everyone.
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Re: Water pump
Was just debating whether to do my water pump its on 65000 miles at the moment. Did a search and read your comment and made me giggle a bit. On the one hand you wouldnt touch it if the water pump hadnt been done on the other you didnt do yours until 132K miles.BoneStarr wrote: ↑Tue Nov 13, 2018 11:35 amTo be honest with you, if any seller doesn't call out when the water pump was changed in the description I wouldn't buy as I would be wary of them. Most 130i Sellers know this is a common problem and will let you know when they changed it.
In terms of longevity, On my 130i which now has 136k on the clock, the water pump lasted right up until 132k miles!!! If the car is well maintained these can be quite reliable. But yeah it's a £400-500 fix due to labour costs. But it's probably the only major fault with these cars, I fell like mine could go another 100k easily!
I'm selling btw, PM me for details.![]()
07 E87 130i - Auto, plenty of options, Only mod is koni bump stops