During the E36 M3 product cycle, BMW used
plastic impeller water pumps. These plastic impellers would commonly fail
from use, by either slipping off the shaft of the water pump (and no longer
circulate fluid) as well as completely breaking off the shaft (on a whole, or in
pieces). Failure can cause overheating of the motor. BMW continued
to use these water pumps into the 1996 model production cycle (brownish color
impeller).
| (click
to enlarge picture) |
Water Pump Comparison |
BMW introduced a replacement water pump, with a
metal impeller, designed to prevent water pump failure. At some point, BMW
then reintroduced the water pump a 2nd time, this time again with a plastic
impeller (this time, a black impeller).
Unfortunately, there is no way of determining
which style water pump is installed in your E36 unless physically removing
it. If you are not sure which style you have, it is an inexpensive part to
purchase and replace. There are a few different ones available to
use. The BMW P/N is 11-51 -7-527-799. Retail price is $79.95.
| Manufacturer |
Impeller |
| Genuine BMW |
Plastic |
| GK |
Metal |
| Graf |
Metal |
| Laso |
Plastic |
Submitted by Ben Liaw
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