I bought a BMW 525i tourer for a practical but nippy run about when I sold the Zed to rodders. It had 205k on the clock (they are meant to do 300k easily) so I knew I'd be taking a chance but it had full history so thought it was worth a go, and with any luck would last the winter and be able to tow a trailor or horse box.

Lo and behold after a week (did a a couple hundred miles probably) the thing overheated. I caught it quite quick but was worried the head gasket was gone still. I already knew that BMW fitted a plastic water pump in some of these which often dies after only 40k. I didn't bother checking as I figured it had done 205k alright so must be a metal one. I pulled out the waterpump and it was a plastic one in many peices! I fitted a metal one today and a new thermostat as well and touch wood but apart from a few threatening moments which I think were just done to it being a bugger to bleed, it seems to be ok. I gave it a bit of a ragging and it didn't overheat, so I'm a happy chappy, esp as it doesn't seem to be the head gasket. I bought the car to tow the rex to track days so I don't put tonnes of miles on it.

BMW drivers LOL Anyway glad it's working for you. Poor REX being taken for a ride by a BMW.

glad it went alright matey, bargain basement motoring is great so long as you know what you're looking for :D

 

Lucky you knew about the water pump :D

I could be wrong on this one but I believe the Vaux Omega uses the same BMW 2.5 td lump and it isnt known for being one of BMW`s better engines

I could be wrong on this one but I believe the Vaux Omega uses the same BMW 2.5 td lump and it isnt known for being one of BMW`s better engines

yep, although its stil a very good engine...but Royals is the 525i petrol I believe anyway.

but Royals is the 525i petrol I believe anyway.

 

In that case then I will :x: :)