Water Pump, BMW - F30 320i & 320i xDrive Sedan

This is the Genuine BMW electric water pump used on the F30 320i, including 320i xDrive models. The water pump is an electrical component now and is controlled by the engine computer. It only works when it has to, including even when the engine is shut off. This reduces fuel consumption and has less parasitic drag on the engine. 

Failures of the N20 water pump are usually caused by the electronics inside the pump, so there is almost no warning of an impending failure or early signs of overheating. One of the only potential warning signs of electric water pump failure (besides a yellow or red high temp warning alert on your instrument cluster) is if the electric fan suddenly starts working all of the time at its highest speed. This is because the pump has stopped, or not responding, and the fans are kicking in to take up the slack. Depending on operating conditions you may only have minutes before the engine shuts off to prevent serious overheating. 

The N20 water pump does not seem to have quite as high failures of the N54 and N55 engines, but failures have been reported both during and outside of warranty. Given the sudden and unpredictable failure we suggest a preventative replacement before 100,000 miles.