Cost of replacing a waterpump

wicklowdub wrote: »

Been quoted circa €400 to replace and fit a waterpump in a 2003 Mini Cooper. Sounds a but high to me (part quoted at about €250). Anyone recently had a similar problem and advise me if this is on the high side?

Cheers
WD

http://cgi.ebay.ie/WATER-PUMP-Mini-Mini-Cooper-1-6i-01-05-/170473420843?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27b101f82b

Depends on your model but generally expect to pay at least 50%-100% over the odds for parts in Ireland, for main dealers anywhere up to 300-400%. Generally best to source the parts you can yourself, once you know what you're looking for there's an endless amount of sites which will provide it cheaper then you can get in a garage - labour is probably around about right - there is a fair amount of work involved, need to do the timing belt on a few cars for this, depends on the car though.

There's no need to go at the timing chain in the MINI, the pump is a separate entity. And to answer your first post, the water pumps should be changed every 60k miles, the plastic impeller inside is the weak point.