Well my new rad showed up today, looks like the water pump and t stat w/ housing and all the misc crap will show up tomorrow. Look's like it will be a Thursday night thrash session to get it done and hopefully drive friday, I really miss driving my car. I like my truck, but it just is not a BMW:nono Anyone have a time guestimate for the cooling system on a 540?

Waterpump and tstat on a M62TU? 1.5-2hr if you've done it before, and roughly 3-4hr your first time. That is with out pulling the radiator, but you're doing that too. For me, I can do the overhaul in under 3hr but I've done a handful of them. Make sure you have a 10mm ratcheting wrench handy, that's the best way to get the bolt out that resides behind the crank pulley. Take out your air box, ACS body, and tensioner off, it gives you a shitload more room and makes the whole ordeal a lot faster.

Its pretty easy really, just take your time and don't get pissed at the awkward bolts. Also, I don't know about you, but for me it makes it much easier and less painful for my back to have the car about a foot off the ground. Get it at a good access level.

And remember, you just saved yourself ~$700 in labor, its a 7.4hr job.

Good luck!

Thank you for the insight:cool I definatly planned on the rarcheting wrench, those are the biggest time saver ever. It all looks pretty clear cut I assume I will have about 5hrs into it as this is my first time on this motor and will be taking my time to make sure everything is perfect.

Took me about 4 hours on my E36. Used a DIY on Pelican Parts if I remember correctly. Would expect it to take appx the same on your 540. I pulled the radiator and such as well.