hey everybody,

I am trying to change the water pump on my 1986 528e. My friend and I accidentally removed the bolts that hold the pulley to the water pump, so we try to stick smaller bolts in the holes to hold it still. But when we try to turn the big 1 1/4" nut behind the fan clutch, everything moves, and we can't hold the pulley/water pump still. Can anyone help me?

We began to saw off the old water pump, behind the pulley...that's how desperate we are...

Many similar water pump posts, do a search.
A special wrench is available to hold the pump hub, sounds like you need one.
Make sure you put anti-seize on the fan hub when you put it back on.
andrew

A common technique for shadetree hacks is to use a hammer and long punch to loosen the fan nut. Note that it uses a left-hand thread.