E46 330 Water pump

[Gad-Westy]

Hi all. As per my other threads... I acquired a 2000x 330 at the weekend. It needs an oil service which I have booked in for tomorrow. The garage also going to sort out a knocking from the front suspension and a slow electric window.

Whilst at the garage, I'd originally intended to get the water pump done as well (and coolant replaced) but this will add the best part of £200 to the bill.

The question is, should I bite the bullet and get this done or am I being over-cautious? The car has done 92,000 miles and I have no record of the water pump being replaced before. I also understand that it is a known week point. When one fails, is it progressive or instant?

I.e. Will my engine be fried instantly or will I get some warning to get it sorted out?

Normally, I'd just play safe and do it but could do without a huge wallet bashing especially if any other problems are found.

[LordGrover]

When mine went at c. 120k it would briefly jump to the red then down to normal again. I drove it for a week or so like that until I got it fixed. I'm not saying it's definitely safe to do so but I 'got away' with it. YMMV.

[Gad-Westy]

Cheers for the info.

I'm tempted to go for the 'leave it and get comprehensive AA cover' but knowing my luck it'll fry itself on the way home from the garage.

[Neil_Sc]

At that age I think its worth while to do the water pump (I did mine at 86k), also worth checking that the radiator isn't bowing at the bottom, mine was and I've since replaced the entire cooling system.

The expansion tank can crack, so it's worth doing that too.