How to change water pump on BMW Z3 Coupe (E36) – replacement guide
BMW Z3 Coupe (E36) 2.8i … View more
The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

- Follow the terms, recommendations and requirements of the part operation provided by the manufacturer.
- Check the coolant condition and replace it if necessary.
- Inspect the thermostat and the thermostat housing. Replace if necessary.
- Please note: all work on the car – BMW Z3 Coupe (E36) – should be done with the engine switched off.
- Step 1
Open the hood.
Step 2Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
Step 3Remove the fasteners of the air duct housing. Use a clip removal tool.
Step 4
Remove the air distribution housing assembly.
- Step 5

Unscrew the coolant reservoir cap.
- Step 6

Prepare a container for fluids.
- Step 7

Open the coolant drain tap.
- Step 8

Drain the coolant from the engine.
Replacement: water pump – BMW Z3 Coupe (E36). Tip from AUTODOC:Caution! The coolant can be very hot.Wear gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.Please note: all work on the car – BMW Z3 Coupe (E36) – should be done with the engine switched off.Wait until the coolant has completely flowed out of the drain hole.
- Step 9

Close the coolant drain tap.
- Step 10

Loosen the clamps of the coolant hoses. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 11

Detach the coolant hose.
- Step 12

Loosen the coolant hose clamp. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 13

Detach the coolant hose.
- Step 14

Detach the coolant pipe bracket. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 15

Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 16

Clean the thermostat housing fasteners. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
- Step 17

Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 18

Remove the thermostat housing.
AUTODOC recommends:Replacement: water pump – BMW Z3 Coupe (E36). To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
- Step 19

Unscrew the water pump pulley fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 20

Pull aside the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 21

Remove the V-ribbed belt.
Replacement: water pump – BMW Z3 Coupe (E36). AUTODOC experts recommend:Check the condition of the tensioner pulley and idler pulley. Replace them if necessary.
- Step 22
Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position.
Step 23
Remove the water pump pulley.
- Step 24

Clean the water pump mounting seat. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
- Step 25

Unscrew the water pump fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 26

Remove the water pump.
Replacement: water pump – BMW Z3 Coupe (E36). Tip:Caution! Coolant may come out from the water pump channels and body.
- Step 27

Clean the water pump mounting seat. Use a seal scraper. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
- Step 28

Treat the water pump mounting seat. Use a sealant.
- Step 29

Install the new water pump.
- Step 30

Tighten the water pump fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 9 nm torque.
- Step 31

Install the water pump pulley.
- Step 32

Screw in the fasteners of the water pump pulley. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 33

Pull aside the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 34

Install the V-ribbed belt.
Replacement: water pump – BMW Z3 Coupe (E36). AUTODOC recommends:Make sure that the V-ribbed belt fits all pulleys snugly.
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