BMW N54 cooling system

[Polynesian]

Wasn’t sure where to post this… anyone have experience working on the f**king shitshow that is the N54 cooling system?

My Alpina B3S had a slight leak from the waterpump. No surprise there. At 140k miles I decided to replace as many hoses as I could, and the expansion tank. All good. Got the hoses done, thermostat back in, and the lovely shiny new waterpump in place. BUT- I can’t get the short U hose from thermostat to waterpump to seat on the waterpump end. I’ve tried for more than an hour.
The pump itself feels like something is blocking it from comfortably sitting in place properly- that probably isn’t helping.

Anyone have experience of doing this? Or matches and a can of petrol?

 

[Sir_Dave]

I havent fully fitted an N54 waterpump, but have had to refit hoses after BMW didnt do it properly - is as you say, an absolute pain.

Not sure if this video will help at all? There is a section on pipework etc:



FCP Euro Guide here as well: https://www.fcpeuro.com/blog/how-to-replace-water-pump-thermostat-bmw-n54-e9x-335i-x6