Thermostat/Water Pump - Catch=Steptronic

Slpnbyu · 10-27-2005, 03:15 PM

Ok gang,

I have read every post out there on changing the thermostat and the waterpump. All in all it does not sound too bad and is def. not worth $850 at the dealer...

Here is where I need help... I have a MY00 323Ci that is Steptronic. Several of the posts I read hinted to a difference with the step vs. manual when doing this. Has anyone with a steptronic tranny done this? If yes, please share any additional insight (pics if possible too).

Thank you!

Canuck328i · 10-27-2005, 05:03 PM

I have a manual and an auto and have done WP on both - only difference I saw was the auto had the fan attached to the front of the WP, and you need to remove it.

I did a DIY - see it here: http://tuningemotion.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2471

Mark

Slpnbyu · 10-27-2005, 09:29 PM

That DIY is spectacular, thank you!

Cabrio · 10-28-2005, 12:12 AM

Mark's the man!

Canuck328i · 10-28-2005, 07:31 AM

slpnbyu >> No prob man, I wish you were closer so you could use the toolie thing!

cab >> No, YOU the man! We are trackin' next year buddy, can't let you have all the fun!

Mark

Slpnbyu · 11-02-2005, 10:07 PM

Mark,

Thanks, I wish I was closer too!

Oh well, the writeup is priceless.

One additional thing that would help are some measurements on the "toolie" thing. How far apart are the two holes for the bolt heads (center to center)? What size bit did you use for those two holes?

That info will allow me to start crafting the tool before I tear the car apart. Granted, I can always fine-tune later.

Jason

Slpnbyu · 11-03-2005, 05:30 PM

Well, I tackled the project today and unfortunately the water pump pullley proved to be tougher than I.

I worked up a tool like Mark's, only I used aluminium. Bad part is that the amount of material left between the bolt-head holes and the arch is so small that there is not enough strength to withstand the torque needed to loosen the fan nut. In short, my home-made piece snapped in two once I really started putting the pressure on.

Lesson learned - if you are going to attempt to forge your own tool then use steel. I didn't have anything steel to work with nor do I have anything to drill/cut steel so it is not that big of a deal either way for me.

I ended up ordering the tool from BMW. If you go this route, check all of the dealers in your area. I called two dealers around me and one quoted me $59 and the other quoted me $38. Go figure...

Needless to say I ordered the $38 tool plus another 10% off for CCA discount so that is not too bad. All in all, I will have spent around $270 (pump, thermostat, two belts, coolant, BMW special tool) so that is still a heck of alot less expensive than the $880 price the dealer quoted to do the job.

Canuck328i · 11-03-2005, 07:47 PM

Damn, 38 bucks is pretty fair - as I'm sure you are aware after making your tool, it takes a while to make and a lot of test fits. In my case however, canadian prices are generally higher for that sort of item plus the nearest dealership is an hour away.

Anyway good luck when you get at it - with that tool things will go much easier! (Let us know how it goes.)

Mark

10-27-2005, 03:15 PM	#1
Slpnbyu Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: VA Posts: 112 My Ride: 2011 M3 (E90) View My Garage	Thermostat/Water Pump - Catch=Steptronic Ok gang, I have read every post out there on changing the thermostat and the waterpump. All in all it does not sound too bad and is def. not worth $850 at the dealer... Here is where I need help... I have a MY00 323Ci that is Steptronic. Several of the posts I read hinted to a difference with the step vs. manual when doing this. Has anyone with a steptronic tranny done this? If yes, please share any additional insight (pics if possible too). Thank you!

10-28-2005, 12:12 AM	#4
Cabrio Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: T.O. Posts: 16 My Ride: Slow but fun View My Garage	Mark's the man! __________________ A proud member of e46fanatics and TuningEmotion 19" Axis Supermesh, Hartge Front, ACS Rear, LED Rears, M3 Mirrors, M3 Lip Spoiler, Halos, TiAg Bumper Reflectors, Clears + Solaris bulbs, M3 Front Strut Bar, 17" Kosei K1 Racing

11-03-2005, 05:30 PM	#7
Slpnbyu Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: VA Posts: 112 My Ride: 2011 M3 (E90) View My Garage	Well, I tackled the project today and unfortunately the water pump pullley proved to be tougher than I. I worked up a tool like Mark's, only I used aluminium. Bad part is that the amount of material left between the bolt-head holes and the arch is so small that there is not enough strength to withstand the torque needed to loosen the fan nut. In short, my home-made piece snapped in two once I really started putting the pressure on. Lesson learned - if you are going to attempt to forge your own tool then use steel. I didn't have anything steel to work with nor do I have anything to drill/cut steel so it is not that big of a deal either way for me. I ended up ordering the tool from BMW. If you go this route, check all of the dealers in your area. I called two dealers around me and one quoted me $59 and the other quoted me $38. Go figure... Needless to say I ordered the $38 tool plus another 10% off for CCA discount so that is not too bad. All in all, I will have spent around $270 (pump, thermostat, two belts, coolant, BMW special tool) so that is still a heck of alot less expensive than the $880 price the dealer quoted to do the job. Last edited by Slpnbyu; 11-03-2005 at 05:33 PM.

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10-27-2005, 05:03 PM	#2
Canuck328i Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Happyland, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,173 My Ride: 09 Altima Cpe View My Garage	I have a manual and an auto and have done WP on both - only difference I saw was the auto had the fan attached to the front of the WP, and you need to remove it. I did a DIY - see it here: http://tuningemotion.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2471 Mark

10-27-2005, 09:29 PM	#3
Slpnbyu Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: VA Posts: 112 My Ride: 2011 M3 (E90) View My Garage	That DIY is spectacular, thank you!

10-28-2005, 07:31 AM	#5
Canuck328i Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Happyland, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,173 My Ride: 09 Altima Cpe View My Garage	slpnbyu >> No prob man, I wish you were closer so you could use the toolie thing! cab >> No, YOU the man! We are trackin' next year buddy, can't let you have all the fun! Mark

11-02-2005, 10:07 PM	#6
Slpnbyu Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: VA Posts: 112 My Ride: 2011 M3 (E90) View My Garage	Mark, Thanks, I wish I was closer too! Oh well, the writeup is priceless. One additional thing that would help are some measurements on the "toolie" thing. How far apart are the two holes for the bolt heads (center to center)? What size bit did you use for those two holes? That info will allow me to start crafting the tool before I tear the car apart. Granted, I can always fine-tune later. Jason

11-03-2005, 07:47 PM	#8
Canuck328i Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Happyland, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,173 My Ride: 09 Altima Cpe View My Garage	Damn, 38 bucks is pretty fair - as I'm sure you are aware after making your tool, it takes a while to make and a lot of test fits. In my case however, canadian prices are generally higher for that sort of item plus the nearest dealership is an hour away. Anyway good luck when you get at it - with that tool things will go much easier! (Let us know how it goes.) Mark