Water pump brand

[gwittman]

I have found water pumps from different sources and they are manufactured by different companies. The two I like so far are made by HEPU and MEYLE. Both are made in Germany. Does anyone know if one is better than the other?

 

[bengal taiga]

I have found water pumps from different sources and they are manufactured by different companies. The two I like so far are made by HEPU and MEYLE. Both are made in Germany. Does anyone know if one is better than the other?

Speaking for myself, some brands may have had a less-than-sterling reputation, but I do not think this holds true any longer since pumps can likely be rebranded or manufactured by anyone and anywhere. A supplier you can trust (should the pump leak in a few days after installation) is probably a more important consideration nowadays. I noticed a few other brands that you did not mention "Bugati" and "Laso" but have no specific knowledge about them.

Fit and finish might be meaningful, yet appearances can be deceiving when it comes to pumps, since it is really only the bearing and seals (which you can't see) that are important. Some pumps use different impellers (Stamped steel vs. cast iron). This might make a difference in pump performance or even longevity but I really can't opine on that.

FWIW, the last pump I bought was a new Graf that had a rough appearance as though it had been rebuilt. I think it bore a stamp indicating Italy as the country of origin. No matter, since it has been working fine.
__________________________________

Perhaps this related question is deserving of its own thread. The following diagram indicates individual water pump components are available. ( Nos. 14, 15 and 16 are the most likely wear parts.) This causes me to wonder if anyone successfully rebuilds their own pumps as was a common practice with water pumps for other cars - many many years ago.

 

[blumax]

Water pump longevity

Gary--suggest you contact Mesa Performance for a qualified read as Jim and Spence have over 30 years of both E-3 and E-9 experience selling them--same pump.. By now they would have a good reading on the brand or brands that deliver good reliability--also Carl Nelson at La Jolla Independent would know as he also has over 30 years of hands on early BMW experience.

I haven't had a water pump leak or failure in such a long time I don't know a make that is unreliable. German made is usually the best bet in my experience with parts. My garage is closed for the night and BLUMAX is wearing a new pump that was installed with the newly built 3.5L. Same for the 3.3L in my Bavaria..

 

[gwittman]

Thanks for the information. I already contacted Carl and he sells the HEPU water pump. I might drop in on Mesa Performance to see what they have since they are almost right across the street from me.

My water pump is not leaking but I seem to be getting a non-normal noise out of it like possibly a failing bearing. I am fairly certain the water pump is the original so it seems to have outlasted what I consider a typical life of a water pump.