possible to repair heater valve/pump?

[8 POTS]

My e34 has dual-sided climate control. A sudden leak started on the valve/auxilary pump unit where one of the hoses enter, (has a plastic nipple almost like the main engines thermostat housing)

What i need to know:
Does this system really have a electrical pump within the unit, or are there just solenoids controlling valves.

Should I replace the unit with a new one from BMW?

[shogun]

Yes, there is the electric aux water pump installed under the heater valves.
I would replace it with a new one. On the other hand I know of some people which removed the aux water pump completely.
This info might help
http://shrubbery.student.utwente.nl/johan/watervalves/watervalves.html

[salansky]

My 540 had the same problem and I had my indy bypass the aux pump as a temporary fix. From what I understand, the aux pump is only for heating while the engine idles to supplement the waterpump. It's not leaking anymore, but now the heater valves are getting stuck open allowing the heater to fight the a/c - not good during the 100F summer drives home.
If you are capable, fix it right the first time. I'm hoping the cooler weather kicks in soon so I don't have to worry about the a/c until next summer.
-jack

[8 POTS]

Yes, there is the electric aux water pump installed under the heater valves.
I would replace it with a new one. On the other hand I know of some people which removed the aux water pump completely.
This info might help
http://shrubbery.student.utwente.nl/johan/watervalves/watervalves.html

Thanks 4 help, it is defnitley the small pump below the valves that is leaking, I will have it replaced, but unfortunatly in South Africa you can only get such a part from BMW which costs R1900, which is equal to +/- 160 Big Macs at R12 each.