Should I do all this or leave it alone?

[bull996]

I have a 1996 E36 M3 Evo convertable and am driving to Switzerland later in the year.

Now, I need a new thermostat as its taking a long time to warm up, so I am considering doing the water pump and top hoses at the same time.

Now, is this a stupid waste of money, when everything is fine at the minute except the stat, or is it a good idea to do it all, considering the long journey?

If it makes any difference, I can get the parts for £275 and fitted for £100.

[taz devil]

if stats going at least get it done so no chance of cooking engine thats only 29.81 from bmw and 9.16 for the 0 rings you need that includes vat did mine last month .thought about doing pump same time but working fine so not bother if your uneasy about pump for piece of mind do it but get the stat done with the warm weather here not worth risking engine for a few quid

[bull996]

Did you have any problems changing the stat? I believe that the pipe that goes into the stat can be a pain.....wondering weather to do it myself or not....

[muckymotor]

The water pump is a right pain in the arse to change on the m3 compared to a "normal" car. It's held on by something like eight bolts and a couple of them are pretty difficult to reach.

[roofer]

While you're there, makes sense to change all. Can't remember a pump failing on one though.

[Carlton Banks]

Ensure you have all the right tools.

I did one on an e30 m3 and couldn't get the waterpump off the bracket - had to run it down to a mates place who chucked it in a vice.

[taz devil]

the pipe on is a push on alloy pipe held by 2 o rings it is very tight to get it out mine was stuck to the stat housing bit of prying bruised knukels and blood and its out
if you do it your self make sure you get all wires out of way on end of throttle housing so you dont catch them when getting out
it is very tight and does look like it wont come out if the pipe pulls of the housing will come out easy if its stuck its a pain
it is worth doing if you cant get somebody to but parts are cheeper at bmw then any where else i nearly got caught out at euro parts want just short of £50 the o rings you have to go to dealer also get the stat housing o ring does not come with stat