BMW 2.5 Water Pump Fiasco, Hoses Hard, Squeeling, engine hot... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Steve Gutman · #1 01-29-2006, 02:19 PM

Trying to help my brother with his BMW '95 525 and this is the best forum so I'm hoping to get some help.
He replaced the radiator, water pump and thermostat. It makes loud squeeling noises and he said the engine seems extra hot and the hoses are very hard, even after he shuts it down. This doesn't sound right to me... Any Ideas?

Tx Benz · #2 01-29-2006, 02:46 PM

Why did he replace these components?
M50 engines were notorious for the water pump impeller
slipping on the shaft, not moving any water.
Overheat results, often cracking radiator.

Block test for blown head gasket would be my next move.
Cylinder heads also prone to crack, usually at #5 cam journal.

Steve Gutman · #3 01-29-2006, 03:25 PM

The impeller spun on the shaft and a blade broke off. I didn't get exactly why the radiator but the rest was "while I'm in there". He told me he stopped because it was overheating. Why would head problems cause the squeeling? Could it be bleeding the system?

I have a '92 525it Wagon with practically the same engine. It sounds like you don't get much time to shut down when the impeller lets loose. I'll have to keep an eye on mine too.

shane83SD · #4 01-29-2006, 07:50 PM

Is the belt tensioner bearing frozen? Just visited my friend's euro shop, there are three late model E46? 6 cyliner cars with cracked heads. Better make sure cooling system is in good shape before driving the car, assuming the head has no cracks from the previous overheating event.

Sometimes, cars with cracked heads will put a lot of pressure in the cooling system which will blow up the hose etc. People fixed the cooling system but soon it will fail too.

Tx Benz · #5 01-29-2006, 09:50 PM

Steve,
Belt rollers are a common failure.
Either A/c or alt-w/p belt roller.
Try removing belts and running motor for very short interval.
Noise still there?

Steve Gutman · #6 02-13-2006, 11:12 AM

My brother is driving the car. He reports the squeeling has quited down after cleaning the belts of coolant or whatever. He still reports the hoses are hard and will keep an eye on everything looking for head leaks. He thinks it's okay. We shall see...

Thanks for the help and advice. We're going to need it. I gave him this link too.

Steve