Air pump for '91 M5

[Jim Mikell]

My (trusted) mechanic discovered that my air pump is seizing up and needs replacing. Sounded simple enough, but he says the part will cost over $2,000 (Canadian)! He said he knows its unbelievable , but that's what it runs since the clutch and the motor must be replaced as a single unit. I can disconnect the belt that drives it to avoid the squeaking that caused me to notice the problem, since it only affects the emission, but I need to pass an emissions test this year, so it will need replacing eventually.
Does anyone know where you can find a replacement part at a more reasonable price or offer any other solution?

[Ken Semak]

Jim,

You will pass smog even without the air pump. The air pump on the E34 M5 is only active for approximately 3 minutes when the engine is cold. This gives the catalytic converter a chance to reach the correct operating temperature, then the smog pump clutch disengages.

[BillK]

I notice that my 92 also runs boggy for the first 3 minutes, then takes off...now I know it's the air pump!
Bill