x5 cooling issue

Yesterday, my x-5 3.0 engine hot warning came on and speed reduced to 40mph no other warnings. Pulled off road, and shut down. Called assist and had towed to dealer (Classic Car in Dallas). Today, they tell me the water pump went out. they recommend a new water pump , thermostat, radiator and hoses total $3856 (wow , are you kidding me?) Nope, I was a mechanic in fire service for 25 yrs and have always worked on my own vehicles. So, I looked-up schmatics to see what this involved. Unbelievable complex by design, electric water pump, computer controlled thermostat, 6 hoses with fittings, looked like it was designed to fail. And to top it all a radiator with plastic tanks. They do not build these cars with durability in mind anymore, not like my z3. I guess my question, is all this really needed. It had not gotten that hot or even lost any coolant.

Please let us know how easy this is.... seems like the pump should take an hour (but admittedly I dont know). Part is $500-ish.

A recent thread: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=606338

A link to the part: http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/p...517586925.html

Cla$$ic sounds like some real jackwads. Just need the pump and a change of coolant I am betting.

Report back!

A

Not sure I would do the hose or the radiator, if its not leaking don't touch it.
you know these BMW techs make well in to the 6 figures buy over selling .they figure if you can afford the car its the price you pay.
cars have been using plastic tanks for years.

I had same problem last dec. And got fixed under warranty and they only replaced the water pump. They didnt even replace the thermostat.

I had the same issue with my 2007 X5 3.0. The Indy mechanic replaced the water pump and the thermostat. It cost me $1014 here in New Jersey. Ask the Stealer if the can show you the computer diagnostics so you know which part failed. You can also shop around. Based on my experience, 4 dealerships gave me 4 different prices from $1200 from the cheapest to $1600 as the most expensive ones. Independent shops quotes from $1014 - $1250.