Signs of a Failing Water Pump in Your BMW
To keep your BMW performing as expected, driver’s need to adhere to a proper maintenance schedule. Even when routine inspection and repairs are performed, parts are going to fail. One such part is the water pump. When the water pump in your BMW begins to fail, it is important that you know what signs to look for to ensure you bring in your vehicle for repairs as soon as possible.
The Function of the Water Pump
The water pump in your BMW is an important component that is required in order for the coolant to flow through the system. The water pump is in charge of pumping the coolant through the engine block, hoses, and the radiator. By doing so, your BMW is able to remain at the optimal temperature level in order to function properly.
The first place coolant flows from the water pump is the engine block. Inside the engine block, there are water jackets around the cylinders where the combustion happens. The coolant in the water jackets helps to ensure that your BMW does not get too hot while it is continuously creating power and energy.
From the engine block, the coolant is pumped around the engine through hoses in order to reach the radiator at the front of your BMW. By this point, the coolant has warmed up, so the radiator is able to cool it back down with the air that moves over the radiator fins. Lastly, the coolant makes its way back to the water pump, where the process is repeated.
Signs of a Failing Water Pump
As you can see, the water pump is necessary in order to keep your BMW at the perfect temperature. If the water pump begins to fail, then there will be negative effects all throughout your BMW. Knowing the signs that indicate a failing water pump will help you to quickly take action and get your water pump repaired.
One sign that points to a failing water pump is coolant leaking from the front of your BMW. In order to keep the coolant flowing through the system, it has to pass through hoses, pipes, gaskets, and seals that are all designed to contain the coolant. Eventually, these pieces can wear out, crack, or even completely break. If this is something that occurs, then the coolant will no longer stay in the system. You will know that the leak is coolant because it will be green in color and pooled under your BMW toward the front.
Another sign that will indicate a failing water pump is whining sounds coming from the front of the motor. These sounds are caused by the water pump pulley being loose. If a pulley is loose, then the belt that is rotating on it will also be loose. As the belt makes its way around, it will make a buzzing or whining sound because it is not securely in place. The longer you leave this unaddressed, the louder the whining sound will become and the more damage your water pump will obtain.
A third warning signal that will alert you to a failing water pump is overheating of the engine. The main purpose of the water pump is to ensure that the coolant can make it to the engine block to maintain the optimal temperature. If the water pump has completely failed then the coolant will not be pumped to the engine block. This will cause the engine to overheat. If you notice that the engine of your BMW frequently runs hot and overheats, then this is a sure sign that the water pump has failed.
Fixing your Water Pump
When you begin to notice any one of the 
above signs that indicate a failure of your water pump, it is time to bring your BMW in for service. At Munich West in Decatur near Atlanta, GA, we specialize in European vehicles. Our mechanics are trained and certified in BMW’s intricate components and technology, so when you bring your models in to have the water pump inspected, you can put your trust in us.
We offer quality service and use the latest tools and technologies for your BMW. We will thoroughly inspect your BMW and identify the exact issue with your failing water pump. Once we have completed the repairs, you will drive off in your freshly-serviced BMW with the reassurance that the best technicians worked on your vehicle to get you safely back on the road.
