Water pump

[sidsilver2]

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.

[Toed64]

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.

[sidsilver2]

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?

[AidanZ130]

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.

[marco_polo]

If the pumps been done, does it last longer than the original?

No, same longevity. Bargain on a new one every 80,000 miles approx.

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.

[obee72]

Mine lasted 125k miles and has just been replaced by a local specialist when I noticed it was on its way.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

[sidsilver2]

Thanks everyone, is that for all years or are the later ones ok?

[BoneStarr]

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.

[sidsilver2]

I'm good with spanners (ex mechanic) so labour is not a problem.

[swanny71]

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.

[marco_polo]

Thanks everyone, is that for all years or are the later ones ok?

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]

Thanks again everyone.

[WolverineMac]

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.

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.