Auxiliary Water Pump
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 33 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2008 BMW 760Li, and 2007 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The auxiliary water pump serves to make sure that the coolant flow rate needed in the heater circuit is maintained, even at low engine speeds. On vehicles with diesel engine and independent heating (option 536), there is no auxiliary water pump in the engine compartment. Its job is assumed by the independent heater's auxiliary water pump and is controlled by the independent heating control unit.