I have a small leak at the auxillary pump by the heater control valve. I assume it is this since it is always wet there. I'm thinking of a trip to Colorado later this week and was thinking of taking this car. I wonder if the auxillary pump can be bypassed or if I should even worry about it so long as I am watching my coolant level closely.

On my Mercedes 300TD, I have been told that the Aux water pump can be bypassed and that the only thing that will happen is less or no heat at idle at stoplights or some such. Otherwise, the heater will work fine. Anyone know if this is true in the E34?

Since I'm in SoCal, a great heater is not so much of a concern although my heater does work fine right now as does the AC.

Any comments?