BMW Water Pumps for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

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The water pump is a known failure point on most BMWs, new and old. Older model BMWs come from the factory with a mechanical fan that features a plastic impeller. If your BMW still has a water pump with a plastic impeller, you should upgrade to one with a metal impeller to avoid future failure. New BMWs utilize an electric water pump that cost BMW millions of dollars to design - when it is working it is great, unfortunately these fail so regularly that we recommend replacing your electric water pump every 60,000 miles to avoid stranding yourself on the side of the road. We have hand selected the best OE suppliers for replacement water pumps so you don't have to pay the high cost of Genuine BMW. However, if you're someone who only puts Genuine BMW parts on your car, we understand - that's why we have those available for you as well.

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Water Pump - E46 M3

10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes

T#:337986

Part#: 11517838118

Ships in 3 Business Days

$ 312.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
03-31-2026

Starting at $ 187.56 USD

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Starting at $ 187.56 USD

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The E46 M3 does not suffer from the cooling nightmares of the previous E36 models. The original water pump uses a composite impeller, not plastic or metal, so the BMW pump will typically last 85,000+ miles before the bearings show signs of wear (the composite impeller is not the reason for preventative maintenance - it's the bearings). We prefer the OE BMW pump to the aftermarket brands because it uses the composite impeller, it has a proven reliability record, and the pricing represents a solid value upgrade. The pump is located on the front of the engine with the fan attached to it. The complexity of the S54 engine means the water pump has multiple gaskets and seals that should also be replaced. And if the thermostat has not been changed then this is the best time for a new one as well.

Optional Gaskets
The S54 water pump has multiple gaskets and O-rings that should be replaced at the same time. The water pump does not come from BMW with a profile gasket anyway and all of the hoses and thermostat housing have their own seals. We don't recommend re-using the original gaskets so we have an add-on kit that will have you covered during your water pump replacement -
1 x 11531318402, thermostat housing gasket to water pump housing
1 x 11537830709, coolant return pipe on thermostat housing
1 x 11517831099, water pump profile gasket
2 x 11537830712, coolant hose rubber O-rings

Composite vs Metal
BMW designed this water pump to use a composite impeller. It is much stronger than the plastic pieces that were so problematic in the mid-90s. The aftermarket solution to the plastic issues was to use a metal impeller. This solved the impeller issues but created some others. The metal impeller is heavier than composite or plastic and that led to quicker bearing failure on the E36 pump (sometimes within a year). The possibility exists that the same premature bearing failure can happen on the E46 M3 metal impeller pumps as well. The heavier weight also has the drawback of using more horsepower since it requires more effort to move the heavier piece. The composite materials solve all of these issues - light weight, strong, long lasting, and relatively inexpensive. They also come with a two-year warranty (most aftermarket pumps are one year). Original BMW water pumps for the E36 (and most other modern BMWs) now use a composite impeller so any issues with factory pumps are long gone. Original BMW water pumps for the E46 M3 are known to last over 100,000 miles and the composite is still in excellent condition (failure is usually typical leaks from worn bearings). For preventative maintenance we recommend a replacement around 85,000 miles. Alternate part numbers: 11517838118, 11517838159.

This item fits the following BMWs:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3

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Cooling System Refresh Kit - Level 1

10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes

T#:15744012

Part#: 32411712735-KT

In Stock

Sale - Save 7% $ 664.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
07-16-2026

$ 619.41 USD

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Qty

Sale - Save 7%

$ 664.99

This product was last offered at the strikethrough price on
07-16-2026

$ 619.41 USD

Add to Wish List

Stop the problems before they arise. If you vehicle has 60,000 miles or more, replace all of these components to ensure that your vehicle stays healthy. To keep everything in top order, continue to replace these components at 60,000 mile intervals. Water pump failure, cracked plastic housings, and expansion tank leaks will not be a concern once all these problem parts are replaced. Included in this kit are the following parts. Rein Water Pump with metal impeller FAE Fan Switch Vaico Q+ thermostat - made in Germany! New O-ring Sealing Gaskets OEM Expansion Tank & Cap 1 Gallon Coolant Rein Upper & Lower Radiator Hoses

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High Performance Metal Water Pump & Pulley Kit - M54

10X Entries Into Our F80 M3 Sweepstakes

T#:55749612

Part#: 888010330KT3

In Stock

$ 299.99 USD

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$ 299.99 USD

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AAF Transmission Crossmembers 5-Speed - E46 Non-M

Fits ZF and Getrag Transmissions. Non-M models Only

T#:7608860

Part#: 116110

In Stock at Vendor

$ 190.00 USD

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$ 190.00 USD

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Since 2010, Advanced Auto Fabrication has been producing and developing both parts and full fledged race cars. Their knowledge base covers a wide range of vehicles both domestic and imported. In the specific case of BMW, the team at AAF has a particular affinity for building and designing components for BMW race cars. Ideal for the SE46 racing series, the AAF E46 5-speed Transmission Crossmember is a heavy-duty and worthwhile upgrade. The OEM thin cast aluminum cross member has been known to fail in multiple different ways. When using stiff engine and transmission mounts, the cross member can crack out and break around these mounting points. The cross member can also break from the high amounts of load transferred through the drive train. While chassis flex from hard cornering is being applied through the engine and transmission from the front cross member, this load is sent from the transmission back into the chassis at the transmission cross member. This is simply too much stress for the OEM cross member to hold up to under the extreme punishment of road racing. The AAF E46 Transmission Cross Member is completely constructed of 1/4' thick heavy-duty aluminum plate. It is designed specifically to cope with hours of endurance racing.

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AAF E46 Transmission Crossmembers - 6-Speed Non-M

For use with solid front engine mounts only!

T#:7624639

Part#: 116222

In Stock

$ 190.00 USD

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$ 190.00 USD

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Since 2010, Advanced Auto Fabrication has been producing and developing both parts and full fledged race cars. Their knowledge base covers a wide range of vehicles both domestic and imported. In the specific case of BMW, the team at AAF has a particular affinity for building and designing components for BMW race cars. Ideal for the SE46 racing series, the AAF E46 6-speed Transmission Crossmember is a heavy-duty and worthwhile upgrade. The OEM thin cast aluminum cross member has been known to fail in multiple different ways. When using stiff engine and transmission mounts, the cross member can crack out and break around these mounting points. The cross member can also break from the high amounts of load transferred through the drive train. While chassis flex from hard cornering is being applied through the engine and transmission from the front cross member, this load is sent from the transmission back into the chassis at the transmission cross member. This is simply too much stress for the OEM cross member to hold up to under the extreme punishment of road racing. The AAF E46 Transmission Cross Member is completely constructed of 1/4' thick heavy-duty aluminum plate. It is designed specifically to cope with hours of endurance racing.

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AAF E46 Transmission Crossmembers - 6-Speed M

For M Models

T#:7624640

Part#: 116223

Ships in 3 Business Days

$ 190.00 USD

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Qty

$ 190.00 USD

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Since 2010, Advanced Auto Fabrication has been producing and developing both parts and full fledged race cars. Their knowledge base covers a wide range of vehicles both domestic and imported. In the specific case of BMW, the team at AAF has a particular affinity for building and designing components for BMW race cars. Ideal for the SE46 racing series, the AAF E46 6-speed Transmission Crossmember is a heavy-duty and worthwhile upgrade. The OEM thin cast aluminum cross member has been known to fail in multiple different ways. When using stiff engine and transmission mounts, the cross member can crack out and break around these mounting points. The cross member can also break from the high amounts of load transferred through the drive train. While chassis flex from hard cornering is being applied through the engine and transmission from the front cross member, this load is sent from the transmission back into the chassis at the transmission cross member. This is simply too much stress for the OEM cross member to hold up to under the extreme punishment of road racing. The AAF E46 Transmission Cross Member is completely constructed of 1/4' thick heavy-duty aluminum plate. It is designed specifically to cope with hours of endurance racing.

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SELECT YOUR BMW

BMW Water Pumps for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

Sub-Categories

Water Pump - E46 M3

Cooling System Refresh Kit - Level 1

High Performance Metal Water Pump & Pulley Kit - M54

AAF Transmission Crossmembers 5-Speed - E46 Non-M

AAF E46 Transmission Crossmembers - 6-Speed Non-M

AAF E46 Transmission Crossmembers - 6-Speed M

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