Britmog, you are right, the 1994 +8 is a doddle to change the fan belt. My problem was the water pump failed and I struggled to find a replacement. They all have the same body, the shaft carrying the pulley varies in length. I did locate a Rover parts dealer who sold me a short nose water pump, guaranteeing it would fit a +8. He was right in as much as it did fit on the engine but you had to put the fan belt on with the pump! I had a go at him saying one couldn't change the belt if needed at the roadside but he told me belts didn't break these days but you could always lever the engine back on the engine mounts with a length of wood against the crosshead! I got a refund.

I got my original pump rebuilt by a specialist. It's basically having the bearings and seales replaced. They can shorten the shaft at the same time. It sounds as if Rory's pump has been replaced at some time with a longer version. If you do consider taking the pump off it might be worth getting it shortened at the same time. Something as small as 0.5cm makes all the difference.

1994 +8, BMW Calypso Red.
2002 4/4, 4 seater, BMW Calypso Red.
How do you open the boot?