[KC87ZB]

Hey all, I'd like a little help here. I think I have a bad turbo but let me describe the symptoms.

Engine replaced (not including turbo) at 85k due to failed timing chain.

Over the last couple of months I have been getting a very occasional Drivetrain malfunction but no indication of loss of power.

Last week or so I have started to pick up a turbo whine now and then and always followed by a DT malfunction and a boost low (confirmed via scan tool) on error and live boost pressure.

As of today I always get a DT malfunction, tons of turbo whine, 0 boost and very limited power.

I have confirmed
wastegate actuator is moving
turbo is spinning (the whine) and visually
in the garage the charge pipe is sucking in but no surprise as really cannot develop boost without load.

This leads me to believe I don't have a leak in the charge pipes/intercooler and that the turbo itself has failed, is failing.

Thoughts??

I may be able to get the dealer to replace as part of engine warranty from replacement but who really knows, I bought it right after the engine replacement. But that said, turbo may have been oil starved with loss of oil pressure from timing chain failure...

[Fodaski55]

Morning,reading your post brought me back to the exact issue I had with my X3 with the N20. I always got the dreaded Drivetrain Malfunction warning under mild acceleration.The code thrown was always low boost..My vehicle has over 110k so I was on my own as far as the expense.After several discussions with BMW customer relations,and the dealer,I received 10% discount and a core credit for the old turbo charger. Total out of pocket was around $2600 for replacement (including labor)of the turbo charger. What made the choice easier is I wanted to keep the vehicle long term .Keep me posted on your results

[anjuna]

Check your charge pipe.

It is located between the intercooler and the throttle body on your engine.

You may see that it has come loose from the throttle body, may have a crack in it, may be damaged. Etc.

It is extremely common for these to fail. If it has, I would not waste my money on the $300+ BMW OEM part, but instead go with an aftermarket charge pipe for your vehicle, as they’re usually made of metal.

[razzy530]

It’s 100% your turbo needs replacement.

[anjuna]

Originally Posted by razzy530

It’s 100% your turbo needs replacement.

Might as well just sell the whole car, right?

There are basic troubleshooting steps.

He said the compressor turns. He said he is getting air sucked in during operation. He said the wastegate linkage works.

There are ~4 components between the turbo and the intake manifold (not including clamps) with one of those components known to fail and produce these exact symptoms.
There is a bypass valve to consider as well.

OP, do you have MHD?

[KC87ZB]

Originally Posted by anjuna

Might as well just sell the whole car, right?

OP, do you have MHD?

No, I do not. I use BimmerLink to get into the diagnostic codes.

Charge pipes (turbo to intercooler and intercooler to throttle body) look good but I'll give them another going over tonight.

[anjuna]

Originally Posted by Dan13X3

No, I do not. I use BimmerLink to get into the diagnostic codes.

Charge pipes (turbo to intercooler and intercooler to throttle body) look good but I'll give them another going over tonight.

Check the couplings between each as well.

On mine, the charge pipe had a very large tear near the throttle body on the underside, which was hard to see.

I asked about MHD because the MAF is pre-turbo and the TMAPs are post turbo…. So if you see a high MAF reading but low/no boost, you know it’s a plumbing issue between the outlet of the turbo and the intake manifold.

I still have good hope for this being a non-turbo related issue, especially if you hear it spool and can see the linkage move/moveable.

Another issue could be the wastegate solenoid and/or associated vacuum lines, as there is vacuum plumbing that controls the wastegate. If there’s not enough vacuum present at the wastegate due to plumbing or the solenoid, you won’t make boost either.

[KC87ZB]

Thanks for the advice. I'll be tackling taking them off again on Wednesday.

I'm thinking it is boost pipe or turbo, the fact I can hear the turbo whine really makes me think it is either turbo bearings going-going-gone or it is a hole in the charge pipe somewhere.

This started as intermittent and now is every time I drive. When first started I did not get any whine, just a DT malfunction (low boost). It's to the point now where MAP reports no boost at all. I hope it isn't the intercooler - ugh.

[KC87ZB]

So, for all those who are anxiously waiting for the answer. I found a piece of metal in the intake tube, it's been banging around against the blades.

Not a charge pipe leak, significantly more expensive.

If only I knew who put it there.

The whine is the sound a turbo makes when it doesn't have all of it's blades, more of a whirring sound.

Anyway, thanks for the advice and Razzy530, you were right.

[Fodaski55]

Keep us posted on your replacement quotes . You should at minimum get a core credit towards replacement if your out of warranty.

[KC87ZB]

In all honesty, I did not get a quote at the dealer once I found the foreign object. I have two independent shop quotes at $2600 and $3900. I have respect for both shops so definitely going with the lower cost (it is an 8+ year old vehicle). Will let you know what the final bill is as there may be some additional associated costs based on what breaks next week when they do the replacement. Plus I'll post some fantastic pictures of the turbine wheel for fun.