The Significance of the Water Pump in Your BMW
BMWs have always been some of the most efficient and powerful in the industry, as evidenced by their award-winning designs and engineering. They appeal to a wide range of international consumers, including enthusiasts and professional drivers. However, even the most well-built, well-designed, and well-engineered vehicles experience their share of problems and encounter performance difficulties from time to time. One issue that BMW drivers report experiencing is failure of the electric water pump.
If you don’t know the first thing about BMWs, or about their water pumps for that matter, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll begin with a brief discussion about why your car’s water pump is significant, and follow it up with some information about why water pump failure occurs and how you can prevent or address it. And off we go!
Why is the Water Pump in Your BMW Important?
As a vital part of your car’s cooling system, the water pump plays an integral role in keeping your BMW’s engine at the proper temperature for optimal performance. Your BMW needs to regulate the engine temperature so that it can compete with the demands of the terrain, of the driver, and of the climate.
The water pump, in basic terms, helps move the engine coolant through the engine. Coolant flows through a series of hoses, which bring the fluid to the radiator and cool the liquid with the radiator fan, and this process follows a circular motion. Powered by the motion of the drive belt, the pump is able to operate and optimize engine temperature.
What Conditions Lead to Water Pump Failure?
Water pump failure is usually inevitable given the right circumstances; however, some BMW drivers report that their water pump fails prematurely, which is highly problematic for performance and reliability purposes – not to mention it’s an unexpected expense to repair. Here are some factors that may lead to water pump failure:
Inadequate Fluid Care
Your water pump is helping coolant flow to and from the engine in an effort to regulate its temperature; therefore, if the coolant itself isn’t kept in good quality and fullness, there could be a problem carrying out the water pump’s function. If coolant becomes contaminated with buildup of dirt, debris, or dust, it can cause your engine to overheat due to a lack of quality coolant reaching the engine. Poor quality coolant can also lead to water pump failure. To keep coolant in good condition, you should:
• Frequently inspect the fluid
• Keep it filled to the appropriate level
• Use the recommended type of coolant
• Perform coolant flushes when needed
• Follow other recommended maintenance tasks related to coolant care in your BMW owner’s manual
High Vehicle Mileage
BMWs are durable and built to last, but that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to inevitable part failures. Over time, parts wear normally as your car accumulates mileage. Furthermore, the makeup of your water pump isn’t exactly durable itself; it’s made of a plastic material that can degrade under certain conditions rather quickly. It’s important to follow your car’s designated maintenance schedule so that you can avoid water pump failure as it climbs in mileage.
• Other contributing factors may include: broken impellers (water pump fan blades), failed shaft seals or gaskets, worn out bearings, or external freezing temperatures that freeze the liquid inside the pump.
Warning Signs of Water Pump Malfunction/Failure
It’s critical to pay attention to how your vehicle performs on a daily basis so that you can recognize any shifts or differences in how your car is driving; this will give you insight into any part deterioration sooner rather than later, and will help prevent serious problems from occurring. Here are some warning signs that your BMW’s water pump isn’t working properly and may require servicing:
• Steam coming from the radiator
• Engine overheating
• Grinding noises
• Water or coolant leaks
• Visibly deteriorating hoses
• Vibration while the engine is running
How We Can Help You
The BMW experts here at Munich West are proud to service German autos like BMW for the residents of Decatur and Atlanta, GA. Since 1976 we’ve been Atlanta’s leading European service center, and we don’t take that reputation for granted – no automotive task is too small or too large for us. If you’d like to schedule an inspection of your BMW’s water pump or need help staying on top of routine maintenance, please call one of our helpful BMW experts today.
* BMW Cars image credit goes to: chasdesign.
