[blau iii]

Hey, I just hit 80k miles in my 2008 335i and having already done the OFHG/OCG, valve cleaning, and plugs. I'm thinking I should head off any potential breakdowns and do the water pump/t-stat.

I've found a ton of helpful DIY's and aside from contorting myself around the bottom of the engine, looks simple enough.

Who sells the best kit for the diy's? I'd like to buy all the alum bolts and fluid from the same place as the parts but I know there can be issues with aftermarket electrical parts. Any suggestions? ECS's kit looks to have the VDO pump and t-stat, any issues with this brand?

Thanks!

[Turbo_power4ever]

I always go with Ecs tuning or fcp euro. oem is always recommended of course but I sometimes go with the cheaper brands. it's up to you I guess

[Joebie]

I just bought my OEM kit from getbmwparts.com, way cheaper than ECS for the exact same OEM stuff. Great customer service too, at first my CC didnt go through but they took care of it very quickly for me after i resent my info.

Only downside is no free shipping, but i think its still cheaper than ECS even with shipping cost.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/partloca...catalogid=4462

Good luck!

EDIT: dont forget your gallon of coolant, too.

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by Turbo_power4ever

I always go with Ecs tuning or fcp euro. oem is always recommended of course but I sometimes go with the cheaper brands. it's up to you I guess

FWIW I use both ECS and FCP. Both have been great. I've been giving the edge to FCP based on their warranty policy... don't know if that's really critical but they claim to provide lifetime warranty on just about anything they sell. So, I just ordered a new radiator and if it leaks at some point, I won't have to pay for a replacement unit....

[HooDat]

FCP Euro has great customer service too. They pricematch with many competitors and honor their lifetime warranty when price matching... Got my VCG bolts and VC pricematched for 3-400$ and they said it'll still come with warranty.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Joester

I just bought my OEM kit from getbmwparts.com, way cheaper than ECS for the exact same OEM stuff. Great customer service too, at first my CC didnt go through but they took care of it very quickly for me after i resent my info.

Only downside is no free shipping, but i think its still cheaper than ECS even with shipping cost.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/partloca...catalogid=4462

Good luck!

EDIT: dont forget your gallon of coolant, too.

I didn't buy a kit when I did mine.

Make sure you take the FMIC and Fan out. This will free up a ton of room.

Also, make sure you buy a new U shaped hose that connects the thermostat and water pump.

Behr makes a good t-stat. I bought an Siemens/VDO water pump. FCP Euro had them for $390.00.

You'll need new bolts for the water pump.

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I didn't buy a kit when I did mine.

Make sure you take the FMIC and Fan out. This will free up a ton of room.

Also, make sure you buy a new U shaped hose that connects the thermostat and water pump.

Behr makes a good t-stat. I bought an Siemens/VDO water pump. FCP Euro had them for $390.00.

You'll need new bolts for the water pump.

I had my water pump and T-stat done at about 60k miles as water pump was failing. I just did my radiator; and, based on that experience I'd suggest (1) pulling fan and FMIC as suggested above when doing water pump and t-stat (you will appreciate the room) (2) consider replacing ALL hoses in and out of both water-pump since you are already down there. That will be frustrating, but MUCH worse if you need to replace one of them down the line and spend two hours just to get to the darn thing.....

I don't like spending extra money on parts, but I despise doing work twice.......

[SlumsToMills]

Originally Posted by jwebb335xi

I had my water pump and T-stat done at about 60k miles as water pump was failing. I just did my radiator; and, based on that experience I'd suggest (1) pulling fan and FMIC as suggested above when doing water pump and t-stat (you will appreciate the room) (2) consider replacing ALL hoses in and out of both water-pump since you are already down there. That will be frustrating, but MUCH worse if you need to replace one of them down the line and spend two hours just to get to the darn thing.....

I don't like spending extra money on parts, but I despise doing work twice.......

Where do I buy all the hoses to spec? Any place with a hose kit? I am assuming I can just find some quick hoses at autozone or some auto shop nearby?

I am planning to do my waterpump and t-stat this weekend with a friend. I wasn't planning on replacing hoses but your post is making me consider it.

My waterpump seems to have died 2 days ago at 87k miles. 2010, 335i

[unrealii]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

Also, make sure you buy a new U shaped hose that connects the thermostat and water pump.

I second this. Replace that hose too. My U shaped hose showed some swelling due to oil on it as a result of the OFHG leak.

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by SlumsToMills

Where do I buy all the hoses to spec? Any place with a hose kit? I am assuming I can just find some quick hoses at autozone or some auto shop nearby?

I am planning to do my waterpump and t-stat this weekend with a friend. I wasn't planning on replacing hoses but your post is making me consider it.

My waterpump seems to have died 2 days ago at 87k miles. 2010, 335i

Check real OEM for the diagram with part numbers.. ". You'll need the last 7 of your VIN.

You can buy hoses at the dealer, ECS, FCP Euro, Bav Auto, Turner, amazon, etc...... I doubt most of the big box auto stores will have all the hoses you need without ordering them.

[blau iii]

Good point on the hoses. I ended up buying the ECS kit. I was going to do it this past weekend but between stuff with my kids and doing some yardwork, I ran out of time. I won't be able to get to it for two weeks. Hopefully my WP doesnt grenade on this 500 mi trip I have this week...

That's interesting you say to remove the FMIC. I've been thinking about buying a new one anyway... I guess it's time to do that too! Paging VRSF!!