I've used Graf water pumps on two different E46s without any issues.
I ordered the kit from urotuning for my gfs 01 golf, been in for almost 2 years now no issues. They use a Graf water pump with a metal impeller.
I picked up a 3.6 brass impeller Graf waterpump for under $50 from www.autohausaz.com they also sell the oem thermostat.
As far as a water pump, the $24 Graf is your best choice. If you need the entire pump....that will cost more. I have also gotten very good water pumps from O'Reilley auto as well.....believe it or not. You probably should shy away from the plastic impellars.
I'd recommend getting a kit like this (...) from idp because it has a Graf pump, which has a brass impeller - some kits use plastic.
Once I removed the thermostat, I felt in the port and although the impeller felt ok, it spun freely; not smooth like a bearing but rough like it was dragging. Since I was able to freely turn the impeller through the thermostat hole, I have to assume my water pump is failed.
Don't use Gates water pumps.
But do NOT use gates water pumps, they are junk.
A gates timing belt kit for a Honda will have OE parts as Gates is a OE supplier for Honda. Except for the water pump./ Gates water pump are garbage so NEVER use a gates water pump if its driven by the timing belt.
Gates is not a decent brand when it comes to most water pumps. Their belts are great, but their pumps I do not use for most cars.
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