[Rdavenport89]

Went to the dealership today for a drive train malfunction, Turns out my wastegate is bad. The dealership told me to replace the whole turbo for $6000. My question is, the wastegate is all that is bad so why can't I just replace that? It's easy to do and cost a lot less than $6000! Is there any reason why I could not just replace the wastegate and not the entire turbo?

[hardparker]

You can get a used turbo and use the wastegate off of it for less than $300 on ebay. The X3 actuator has a longer shaft and the bracket is different, but any N55 PWG actuator will work if you use the bracket it came with.

Also, the Mini Cooper actuator is a direct fit for non-X3 PWG actuators. New ones are like $30. It'll work on the X3 if you extend the shaft with a coupler, lock nuts and M6x1.0 threaded rod or use the bracket from a non-X3 (short) actuator.

[Rdavenport89]

Originally Posted by hardparker

You can get a used turbo and use the wastegate off of it for less than $300 on ebay. The X3 actuator has a longer shaft and the bracket is different, but any N55 PWG actuator will work if you use the bracket it came with.

Also, the Mini Cooper actuator is a direct fit for non-X3 PWG actuators. New ones are like $30. It'll work on the X3 if you extend the shaft with a coupler, lock nuts and M6x1.0 threaded rod or use the bracket from a non-X3 (short) actuator.

Awesome thanks!

[TwinSnailz]

Depends on which part of the wastegate.
1. Wastegate diaphram
2. Wastegate flapper
3. Wastegate controller, boost controller
I would change #3 first since it’s the cheapest $100 or less and is a easy peazy job.
Usually people will have problem with #2 , loose,not closing all the way, rattle, low boost.
Because #2 is welded to the exhaust turbo housing and the exhaust turbo housing is welded to the exhaust manifold, it is replaced as a whole unit hence the massive price tag. Unless you know how to do some little welding and grinding it’s doable.

Hardparker, already explained #1