BMW M54 Waterpump and Thermostat DIY E39 E46 E53

WATER PUMP: amzn.to/1XK86c4
THERMOSTAT: amzn.to/1U59YxW
BELT KIT: amzn.to/1o4k1oO
BMW COOLANT: amzn.to/1RgYe7U
Fan Clutch Tools: amzn.to/1RdM54Q
How to remove and install the water pump, drive belts, and thermostat on an M54 BMW engine.
Get the parts here: amzn.to/1XK86c4
Waterpump: amzn.to/1XK86c4
Thermostat: amzn.to/1U59YxW
Serpentine Belt Complete Kit: amzn.to/1o4k1oO
BMW Coolant: amzn.to/1RgYe7U
Fan Clutch Tools: amzn.to/1RdM54Q
This applies to the E46 3 series, E39 5 series, E53 X5 and any BMW model with the M54 2.5 and 3.0 engine.
ONLINE www.bimmerzeit.com
THE GRAM / bimmerzeit
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of BIMMERZEIT, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. BIMMERZEIT assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. BIMMERZEIT recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of BIMMERZEIT no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not BIMMERZEIT. Video and Content is owned by BIMMERZEIT © 2015

[@BIMMERZEITT]

WATER PUMP: amzn.to/1XK86c4 THERMOSTAT: amzn.to/1U59YxW BELT KIT: amzn.to/1o4k1oO BMW COOLANT: amzn.to/1RgYe7U Fan Clutch Tools: amzn.to/1RdM54Q

[@catsiemens6960]

the clarity in this tutorial is awesome!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Cat Siemens thanks cat!

[@mannyreyes9077]

This video couldn't have been anymore more clearer, informative, perfect camera angles and and lighting. BEST video i've seen by a DIY person. LOVE IT! keep it coming! =)

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+Manny Reyes Thanks Manny, really appreciate that!

[@nathrak]

Great lighting, awesome camera angle, clear audio. Now if only you had an e46...

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+nathrak Thanks! Definitely more E46 videos to come.

[@atnstn]

Magnificently simple and clear video! Excellent work brother! Thanks

[@BIMMERZEITT]

atnstn thanks bro I appreciate you!

[@juanv4375]

My 2003 e 39 had 2 different bolts , one of the differences was the 4 10mm bolts on the pulley, on my e39 it was 3 10mm and a 4mm hex. For my serpentine belt loosener bolt thingy it wasn’t a 8mm hex , for mine it’s a torx screw and I believe a 50. I’m currently headed back to AutoZone to return the 8mm hex and get my torx bit.

[@jdmchriz]

Very well detailed and clear video!!! Subscribed!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+jdmchriz Thanks Chriz, appreciate that!

[@hitty9]

I've totally done this enough to not need a DIY, but observe here that you are a solid teacher. So I hope you add many more DIY's about things I don't know how to do!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+hitty9 Thank you, really appreciate that!

[@steliyans4340]

Can I use a 1,2 torque wrench and not that breaker bar for the tensioner

[@steliyans4340]

What tools do you use on the mechanic tensioner on the water pump belt on older m52b20 motors

[@steliyans4340]

Hi 👋 does that apply for mt2b20 and anything further steps?

[@MDdred]

Cool and the gang!! Great video👍🏾

[@steliyans4340]

Does it needs to bleed to air system when removing the hoses?

[@SpartanA31xx]

Is there any need to add locite lock thread on the water pump pulley bolts ?

[@popokakatepetl]

нормальный у тебя тарантас)

[@amelero73]

I'm working on a bmw SUV is it the same as the car and where can I get the parts

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Yes if it's the M54 engine most parts are the same. Some parts differ between 2.5L vs 3.0L. I have provided links to Amazon in description above- use their fitment tool

[@dziabi3]

The thermostat does not have a temperature sensor. This is a paraffin heater.

[@asmircar1]

u should mention that this aftermarket water pump is better than original and should be used instead of original bmw water pump, because original had problems with plastic propeller breaking off and destroying engine in worst case scenarios.....this after market water pump has metal/steel propeller....im not sure how long it last, but it not gonna break up like plastic one.

[@asmircar1]

and 2 years after making my original comment my plastic water pump broke in half :D now i have to replace everything along with fan clutch, water pipes and tentioners :(

[@fatrichardmcfatprick5766]

After slipping with the screwdriver one time I'm putting a pin hole in the brand new radiator I always suggest throwing a fender skirt cover over the radiator can save you big money and time👍😏 job well done

[@WelliDS]

Also, I would say before installing the fan and shroud spray engine degreaser in the pulleys and all the area you worked on, rinse it off with a hose very well. This will eliminate any antifreeze in the pulleys and belts. Also when the engines warms up you will not smell any antifreeze and think it is leaking.

[@radigal161]

Good job! Nice camera positioning its a 10 out of 10👍

[@JeffreyMedina]

Just replaced my thermostat dated 06-12 and water pump dated 02-03. Great video. Only thing different i had to do was insert a 6mm 1 inch long bolt onto the water pump in order to break the seal since mine was never replaced 205k on my x5

[@andrewyear81]

Didn't know about that date code stamping BMW does to parts. Cheers for that awesome tip. Off I go to check mine. Excellent tutorial btw. Clear and consise. Oh, and I'm working on a 01 530. What are your thoughts on the stewart water pump that apparently has 20% more flow capacity than the original? It costs around $200 but the peace of mind it would bring from never having to do it again and I'm not exactly a big fan of these M54's running at 195F - 200F. Seems a little too high and as you probably know, heat is the enemy of all engines. Aluminum ones especially.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thanks Andrew - appreciate the kind words. Have an awesome weekend!

[@33gall]

excellent video, will be doing this in the New Year, will be Alot easier now I've watched this. thanks for the links for the parts you used, sadly I'm in Northern Ireland, Amazon.com won't send to here but I know what I'm looking for on the UK site now.

[@sasunmontu]

Thanks for the video, I'm looking at buying a 2002 BMW 530i E39, that needs a new water pump and thermostat. Hope it's as straight forward as this

[@BIMMERZEITT]

sasunmontu it is very easy, not a big deal at all. Tricky part is getting the fan clutch off, smooth sailing after that! Excellent vehicle choice!

[@jflemoine1]

Great video as usual, and thank you for posting. I have 2001 330 with a M54 engine with 80,000 miles and I am the second owner. I recently changed the expansion tank, and i was advised to change the water pump and thermostat, which I am about to do. But, You suggested to change the belts, and my question for you is : should I change all the cooling hoses as well?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+J. F. Lemoine thanks for watching J! Yes, I would advise changing the upper and lower radiator hoses as part of the scheduled maintenance. They could last a while longer, but if you do them now you'll save yourself a lot of labor in the future.

[@WelliDS]

Excellent video. Thank you for taking the time to show it to us, very helpful. I have the same SUV as you do. Just make sure you do not user water to cool the engine. It should be antifreeze BMW Audi or Volkswagen diluted 50/50 with distilled water. Water alone will rust the inside of your engine as well will crack the radiator and expansion tank in colder weather climates.

[@romanomarcelino9447]

Hi BIMMER ZEIT just have a question where is that located the MAF sensor for the 2005 bmw x5 mine was disconnected and the service engine sign is on I hope you could help me by the way this is the first time I found and watch your video which is really so clear and clarity really great thank you and have a good one

[@jflemoine1]

Thanks for replying and your advice. kind regards !

[@g.w.r9707]

Hi great information, one question- Wouldn't taking the thermostat off first allow more room for removing water pump or is there a reason for the order of removal? Thanks

[@bennyz6308]

I need help removing the 32mm fan clutch it seem that it stuck or seized. I can hardly turn ccw, any idea will help..

[@alexmarius4556]

very nice video . i like it a lot . i want to change my water pump ,thermostat and coolan on my e46 ,m54 engine . can you tell me the order i should begin ??

[@ramazkutateladze538]

man you`re such a great guy to upload this video but why on earth do you put HEPU on your gorgeous car?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

that HEPU pump has been in service now nearly 5 years and 60,000 miles .... what is there to complain about even if it fails at this point?

[@ramazkutateladze538]

@@BIMMERZEITT it`s name mate.. gldad you didn`t have an issue with your X5 for 60K miles. could you please tell me btw, can an antifreeze spoil the waterpump? 2 hours ago we started the car and it got a squealing noise from the engine..

[@BIMMERZEITT]

@@ramazkutateladze538 yes if wrong type of antifreeze is put in it can cause corrosion and eat seals over time. I've seen it when orange GM coolant put into a BMW. Yes, I've seen it lol. Some pumps are designed to weep fluid when the internal seal fails so theres that; mostly older BMW's though. Hoses and thermostat could also leak onto the belt, thermostat housing on m54 weeps fluid when it fails sometimes too. Best course is to pull the fan clutch, radiator shroud and inspect closely.

[@ramazkutateladze538]

@@BIMMERZEITT mine is the X5 3.0 2004; aand probably a year ago I poured in it blue Antifreeze.. some off-brand one.. but then again the car has 273K kilometers on the clock.. and there is a chance that the pump is factory-original.. car did not lose any motor coolant though.. thank you for your response, will write the news tomorrow from the repair-masters shop

[@ronfowler9563]

Great video! My water pump just gave out on me yesterday. I saw another video that the guy used a silicone lubricant on the new pump before he installed it. Have you heard of that being an option before re-installation?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Hey Ron, you probably could put a *very* thin layer of silicone lubricant (NOT sealant or make-a-gasket) to ease the new gasket popping into place

[@ronfowler9563]

@@BIMMERZEITT You are the man once again...thanks!

[@jeffhagen3432]

well done video. I really like how you dont rush, and spoken clearly. Questions, no gasket or sealant needed on ether housing? and why not put the waterpump on before the thermostat, so you have more room and visibility to the waterpump?mini

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+Jeff Hagen Thanks Jeff means a lot. The M54's water pump and thermostat have the gaskets built into the part. As you can see on the pump the black o-ring gasket is all that is needed. The parts can be installed in any order, independently of each other- but you're right- putting the pump in first gives a bit more visibility from above.

[@fuseor]

Any gasket on the water pump or just the o ring? Any permatex on the water pump mating surface?

[@aerbus]

Try to avoid spilling coolant over the belt, for it leads to premature wear!

[@steliyans4340]

When you say allign the pulley with the water pump does it mean to make sure all holes fit on the water pump as they are not symmetrical

[@jakem20]

Great video. Very well put together. I had to replaced my Thermostat, and this made it so easy to do.

[@jakem20]

So.. I replaced the I replaced the Thermostat, but my X5 still running hot. I made sure that the Thermostat opens up before I installed it. Do you think its a water pump issue?

[@johnashburne4055]

Great job, very clearly photographed and described. Well done! I have the similar engined 1997 e39 model, does that model require the replacement of the thermostat and housing as a single unit? I bought a Wahler thermostat and it looks like a conventional thermostat, so I am thinking that I can use the old housing. Is that correct? Thanks! John

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+John Ashbourne Thanks John. Yes, the earlier model E39 uses an old style thermostat and the thermostat housing is a separate part. While you can reuse your original housing, I would recommend changing the housing at the same time while you're in there as it's very inexpensive. Also, note that the early model doesn't have the electronic sensor and plug for the thermostat, however, this DIY is about 95% the same with only a few slight differences. Hope that helps!

[@petepenn1]

@@BIMMERZEITT You are a Great Utuber with Class and Quality! Very Polite and responsive Dude!

[@goodlife3561]

Best video ever!!!!!!!!! Thank you 👍👍👍👍👍💪💪💪💪💪😁😁😁

[@attunestudios3847]

Well detailed...just saved me about 300 dollars...Thank you

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+James Eliacin Thanks James happy to hear that!

[@jaciobe]

Thank you. I'm in the middle of doing this

[@AndyNav1]

Hi Bimmer Zeit, hope you can guide me in the problem I have. On my 2004 X5 3.0i, I have a brand new dealership thermostat. I run the engine idling, the temperature stays normal at 12 O'clock and my code reader shows the coolant at 205 degrees F. Thermostat stamp says 97 degrees C which is 207 degrees F. Doesn't matter what I do, the coolant never goes higher than 205, needle at 12 O'clock. So I can't bleed the coolant system completely because the thermostat never gets the chance to open. So I'm left with air pocket I can't get rid of. Is this normal? Hope not! Please guide me through this. Thanks, P.S. The heater blows very hot air on the road and not so hot when idling

[@alexanderharispuru1465]

Hi ! I really need help because one of the small Allen nuts holding the viscous coupling to the fan is busted. Can't take them off now. There are 3 of them. What sizes are those??

[@bennyz6308]

Very clear video and instruction,

[@alexanderharispuru1465]

Hi ! I'm doing this job now and I'm wondering if I can take only upper vanos line off? The one in the back of oil filter housing is almost inaccessible. Thanks

[@khmaiazn]

this is a great video! thank you for sharing!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thanks!

[@hornyZdog]

Thank you for sharing this video I'm actually changing my oil filter housing gasket this weekend but I am changing my water pump while I have it apart, there's nothing wrong with mine but it's got 133 thousand miles on it so I figured why not change it and call it preventive maintenance.. I'm going with an aftermarket water pump with the stainless steel impeller because I've seem plastic ones crack and then lose their grip on the shaft and then there's just no way it can move the water to cool the engines.

[@chrismason598]

My fan is stuck on there 😔😔

[@apeerbux4389]

Great video, thanks for posting. Would it help to add some Reinzosil to the new thermostat’s gasket, or is that unnecessary?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Don’t add anything to the gaskets or surfaces for this job 👍🏻

[@apeerbux4389]

@@BIMMERZEITT Many thanks!

[@Gorlamii.]

Just bought a 2000 e39, the date code for the waterpump and thermostat were 2008!!

[@anthonythomas4423]

My 97 e39 overheated on the freeway so I'm doing a water pump. All symptoms point to water pump hope it works

[@clarencecallahan8534]

thanx for video, really good instructions..btw i wanted to ask can thermostat read out on OBD lead to VANOS error read out?

[@brockwilson5485]

Excellent video. Great quality and special attention was made so that the viewer can see all the necessary portions with great clarity and detail!

[@brockwilson5485]

Getting ready to repair a thermostat which is stuck open on my 2006 BMW E53 X5 3.0 with the M54. This video convinced me to address the water pump and both belts. Mileage is 90,000 miles located in Indiana. Service Engine Soon light came on as soon as the really frigid temps hit this past week.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thanks Brock, appreciate it! Good luck with the updates; you'll enjoy the X5 for many miles to come!

[@brockwilson5485]

BIMMER ZEIT Just completed installing the new Wahle thermostat and Hepu water pump. I also did a belt service and replaced the old tensioners. I changed the air filter with a K&N filter and changed the oil and new Mann oil filter. Wow! What a difference! My M54 runs smooth as silk...

[@brockwilson5485]

Ok. Have a question. Completed this service in January / February 2017. Now my car is over heating. Car overheated and blew a hole thru the expansion tank. Replaced unit with Behr and still running hot. Lower hose is cold; Upper hose is boiling hot. What gives? Bad thermostat? I bought a Wahle brand. Any ideas? I appreciate your videos.

[@davidmorrill3275]

good job buying original bmw fan clutch parts. i am sure they were not inexpensive

[@dariopranckevicius1250]

Fantastic video! Will be tackling this job soon. Thanks!!

[@gasrat2007]

You don't use anti-seize for water pump bolts ?

[@ggua92722]

Excellent DIY video. Thank you for sharing.

[@jihadmostafa3349]

Verry clearly

[@jflemoine1]

Thanks for replying and your advice. kind regards !

[@user2917]

Very good video many thanks for guys like u

[@petepenn1]

Great job! With a little anti seize well placed. One of the Best videos out there for clarity and length! My first BMW was a 1974 2002 tii . Maroon with beige leather interior. Rare Gem today! Keep up your Great Work!!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thanks Pete, I appreciate you. Wow, 2002 tii what a great choice, imagine what that would be worth today 🙈

[@Z01D1111]

Great video. Thanks!

[@toniocastro5426]

You use strait coolant.? You did not mixed with distilled water. 50/50 dilution. Is it ok to use coolant strait out the container.? Nothing happens to the engine.? Please let me know. Thank you.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Hi, I did mix 50/50 actually I just didn't show it in the video. Probably should have elaborated on that detail. I typically pour a full bottle of straight coolant in, then fill that empty BMW bottle up with water again and pour that in. I do this only when I know it will take the whole container. To be safe, you can pre-mix the gallon jugs before adding.

[@toniocastro5426]

BIMMER ZEIT Thank you BZ. If I pre-mix one gallon 50/50 BMW radiator fluid. For how long is the fluid mix good.? Thank you so much for all you do. I have and done many jobs on my 2000-328/M52-tu. Million times thank you. BZ. Tonio.

[@Bavarian_M]

Great diy will be doing this to my x5 soon

[@meinegeheim2801]

L U U U V V V ..... your work.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Meine Geheim danke!

[@howlingmedia4354]

What were the symptoms you were having with the water pump?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Howling Media this noise: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2LEqJSshbygoLs

[@martymeyer4125]

Nicely done

[@wodhks90]

thanks!

[@josehdez980]

Great video!!. And really good job bro...

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+Jose Hernandez Thanks Jose hope it helped!

[@gregh7457]

That is the cheapest looking thermostat i've ever seen. Sure this car isn't made in china?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Not many parts are made in Germany anymore Greg. It turns out even the German brands are having their parts manufactured in Mexico, China, and Eastern Europe. That's just the reality of competing with a global economy in 2017. There are still some good German manufactured parts, but not many.

[@gregh7457]

yea but it's engineered in germany still, right?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

haha, true

[@jayashpatel6165]

hi do you recommend putting silicone sealant the water pump

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+Jayash patel hey Jayash, no, you must not use any additional sealants or silicone for the water pump or thermostat on the M54 motors.

[@jayashpatel6165]

Hi Thanks for the answer but I an going to use sealant on my thormostat due to it having pitting where it mounts. Bmw m43 engine e46.

[@downtowncat]

Any thoughts about a stuck pulley wheel and what to do?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

I would spray it with PB Blast, let that sit for an hour and go make a coffee. Come back to it for a second try.

[@downtowncat]

@@BIMMERZEITT Thanks so much. It didn't work right away but my water pump is pretty well stuck so after a lot of pulling the pulley finally came off. The water pump, however, is a different story....still stuck. I have an '03 540i and the water pump doesn't have the nice feature highlighted in the video with a screw hole to help break the seal. Wondering what the mechanic secrets are to removing the beast...ha!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Eric Peters Eric I may suggest also replacing the water pump pulley if it’s brittle or has any damage. They’re around $15 online. As for removing the pump, again spray around the edges of the seal with PB, let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Use a pry bar against the propeller where the pulley was mounted... careful on what you pry against though! Final warning, coolant will come out once the seal is broken. Good luck!

[@satriany31]

Thanks, your video is really amazing, professional quality for eveything. Just a few precisions : the torque for the bolts ? Some people put some kind of grease on the o-rings and the bolts, what do you think ? Regards.

[@kawarider9049]

O- rings - yes, use a little bit of grease so the dry ring wont stuck. Bolts - never. You will make the thread oily and that will f*** up the torque (more force with same torque because of less friction in bolt and nut). The torque for M6 is 10 Nm.