E30 Zone

Hi.

Im looking for a little guidance and advice about the Timing belt and Waterpump for my M40 318. I called my local motor factors and had the lot for somewhere in the region of £70 for both.

I thought that was cheap but didnt question it at the time. The belt and tensioners are Quinton Hazell, and the the water pump is a BGA. When I saw the receipt I noticed the waterpump was £10. I died a little inside knowing I was about to put this waterpump on my baby. It looks like its made of Lego. So i started to do a little digging but only came up with conflicting info about timing belts and waterpumps.

Do any of you fine people have any experience and suggestions which brands to go with or steer clear of?

A few names floating around - Meyle, Febi, Berh Hella, HEPU, INA. Then of course are you ECP waterpumps which I'm weary of - Circoli, Airtex.

Be good to hear some of your thoughts!

Thanks

I've fitted two different water pumps to my 316i M40. First one was a Behr/Hella unit and that had some sort of composite material on the impeller as per original spec. I got paranoid took it off, and fitted a skf pump which is a solid cast metal impeller.

Realistically both were fine.
As regards to timing belts, I personally wouldn't fit QH as I've had other parts from them before and the quality wasn't great.

I would only really fit OEM or a gates one which I've had good luck with before. I've got a feeling when I did the belt tensioners it was skf as they are well known for their bearings.

Hope this helps