Every part of your BMW is important, and when a single part is malfunctioning, the health of your entire automobile could be in danger. The water pump has a big job: It’s responsible for pushing coolant from the radiator into the coolant system. The water is then pumped into the engine and back to the radiator. If the water pump isn’t working properly, coolant just sits in the system, which can cause the engine to overheat and pose serious threats to your engine. Therefore, Bimmer owners should check their BMW water pump for failure as soon as they suspect a problem.
Here are 5 signals that a BMW water pump failure is imminent:
1. Coolant Leaks
If you notice leaking liquid coming from the front part of your car, you should always pay attention to it, as it may be a symptom of problems yet-to-come. If the liquid is blue in color, it’s quite possible that you have a coolant leak. Consult a BMW professional right away so he or she can help determine the cause and severity of your leak. If you need to add coolant due to the leak it is blue BMW coolant that is used to refresh the reservoir. Never mix red, green coolants with blue they are not interchangeable. Water can always be used in an emergency. (distilled water is preferred)
2. High-Pitched Whining Sounds
If you notice a high-pitched whining noise coming from your engine, you may have a loose belt. A loose belt could indicate a loosened pulley or worn-out bearings in the water pump. If the bearings have worn out completely, your water pump will likely need to be replaced to avoid a BMW water pump failure.
3. Overheating Engine
Your engine could overheat for any number of reasons, and none of them are something to be ignored. If your dash is lighting up with warnings, or your temperature gauge is in the red, seek professional mechanical assistance right away. A failed water pump will cause your car to overheat, resulting in additional engine damage. Cracked cylinder heads and head gaskets are just a couple of expensive repairs you may be faced with if your water pump is failing. Be sure to mind your car’s engine temperature gauges and let your mechanic know of any unexpected spikes or differences.
4. Steam Coming from the Radiator
If you’ve noticed steam coming from your radiator, your car is trying to tell you something. An overheated engine will likely produce steam when the water pump is not working properly. The pump’s main job involves circulating water to the radiator. If there are disconnects in the hoses, or if the water pump isn’t working properly itself, coolant cannot travel from Point A to Point B in your engine, leaving it susceptible to overheating.
5. Your BMW Is Getting Up There in Miles
Age and distance can play another important part in the equation. If your car has racked up tens of thousands of miles, despite any other complications, you may want to consider installing a new water pump for peace of mind. Water pumps do not have an indefinite lifespan, so if yours has done well for you for 75,000 miles with no troubles at all, it’s probably worth considering a replacement so you don’t find yourself on the side of an interstate when your water pump decides it’s past its expected lifespan.
If you’re convinced that something’s wrong and you want to avoid a water pump failure, it’s important to have an experienced professional look at it right away. The longer you wait, the costlier your repairs may be if your water pump is, in fact, malfunctioning. If you want to put your BMW in the trusted hands of specialists who understand how important maintenance is for foreign cars, be sure to call Desert Oasis European Auto Service & Repair at 702-255-4090 to schedule an appointment.
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