[wsybert]

I posted some info HERE, when this first started... figured I would start a thread on this. Just FYI on my experience.

(posts 67,69,70)

In a nutshell... had wastegate noise, took the car in, they agreed.
Updated software, then called and said they will replace the WG actuators (since the SW update did nothing).
They called again the next day and said they will remove the turbos and inspect them, and work with BMW to determine if they need replaced.

I got a call this morning and they will be replacing the turbos.

I did not quite follow the SA's explanation, and did not have time to get into details over the phone. Basically there was something worn on the turbo, and the actuator would not fix the issue. Something to do with where the actuator rod connects to the wastegate. I plan on talking with the SM to get more info, and will post back.

The turbos are supposed to be in tomorrow and they will let me know. I am guessing, barring any unforseen issues, that I will have my car by the end of the week.

And me, with 49,9xx miles. New turbos... GOOD!

On a side note... I commend the dealer for not just replacing parts and actually diagnosing the issue. Top notch in my book!
No affiliation, but the dealer is Sewickley BMW, in Sewickley PA.

Bill

[McMuffin]

Nice!

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

Wow very nice!
Good timing.

[ontopofm]

good ending, my dealer is refusing to proceed on fixing my misfired code and wastegate rattles because i have the aftermarket secondary cats on along with the aftermark rear O2 sensor

[wsybert]

good ending, my dealer is refusing to proceed on fixing my misfired code and wastegate rattles because i have the aftermarket secondary cats on along with the aftermark rear O2 sensor

Have you considered going back to stock for the work? I understand there are dealers that will work with you, once the car is in OE form. Plus, I know that a lot service shops won't work on cars with the emission systems being tampered with...independent of BMW (at least my experience).

I am lucky to have one of the more competent dealers... I have read very bad stories on here with respect to dealer service.

Good luck.
Bill

[Kerosene Hat]

That's cool. It took my dealer 3 visits to replace the turbos...fricking lazy shop just went through each step in the SIB and never actually tested the car before returning to me. At least there is one shop out there that doesn't half-@ss things....

[ontopofm]

Originally Posted by wsybert

Have you considered going back to stock for the work? I understand there are dealers that will work with you, once the car is in OE form. Plus, I know that a lot service shops won't work on cars with the emission systems being tampered with...independent of BMW (at least my experience).

I am lucky to have one of the more competent dealers... I have read very bad stories on here with respect to dealer service.

Good luck.
Bill

they wanted me to return everything to stock (i have IC, aftermarket 2ndary cats, and Bosch wired O2 sensor on right now) before bringing it in again. why replace the O2 sensor when they one i have on right now is working? it's the same model but it's wired instead of PNP. it's understandable that they want me to put the OEM cats back on but i'll check out other dealer(s) first before doing that

[wsybert]

I emailed my SA, and asked to see the parts. He responded that they have to send the parts to BMW when they ask, and said I could stop by tomorrow. I am going to try to go during lunch tomorrow, and see if they will let me get some pictures and talk with the SM. I'll update after.

[ren]

I had mine replaced, too. They are basically following this TIS, see the part where it talks about replacing the turbos as the last option.

In my case the rattle got worse after they only replaced the wastegate actuators. My SA and the technician were really nice and easy going people but it was still hard to convince them to fix the issue.

[wsybert]

I've read that TIS. What I am most impressed with, is the fact they skipped the actuator replacement, and actually diagnosed the problem. Finding some wear issue at the wastegate. (which i hope to see tomorrow) and went straight to replacement. No input from me, I might add. (Although I was ready and willing, considering my mileage.)
I am hoping I can take pictures.
Bill

[JayKay335i]

Mmmm. I love the smell of new free turbos just before warranty end Good deal, and good dealer.

[Spydeputy]

Originally Posted by wsybert

I've read that TIS. What I am most impressed with, is the fact they skipped the actuator replacement, and actually diagnosed the problem. Finding some wear issue at the wastegate. (which i hope to see tomorrow) and went straight to replacement. No input from me, I might add. (Although I was ready and willing, considering my mileage.)
I am hoping I can take pictures.
Bill

see if they will let you snap a few pix. we would like to SEE so we have a better understanding of failed turbos. and by the way, BOTH turbos failed?
49,xxx miles, wow, just got it in under the wire.

[wsybert]

Went to the dealer and saw the car. They didn't have the turbos off the car yet, but they are ready to, once the new ones arrive. They are accessible now, as the lower subframe and entire exhaust system is off the car. (Wish they could install my new AA exhaust system... no 2ndary cats, so they won't..)

There is considerable play in the bushing where the wastage arm goes through the housing. I was able to move it back and forth about 1/8" in both directions. I took a video with my phone, but the file is in .3gp format. Can anyone convert it to something I can post?

The first picture is of the rear turbo. The front turbo has the same issue. I grabbed the WG assembly from inside the housing, and was able to move it a lot.
Picture a shaft going through a hole, and the hole is oversized. That's the issue.
Bill

[joec500]

hmmm I am curios if this effects more folks on the east coast/mid west that have more corosion issues then us CA/ West Coast guys?

[wsybert]

I asked the SM if there were changes to the turbo. He said yes, but wasn't sure of the details. Not sure if corrosion would play a part in this area, unless it sat for a long time, and even then I would doubt it... my guess is the accelerated wear was due to poor material used for the bushing.

[joec500]

Originally Posted by wsybert

I asked the SM if there were changes to the turbo. He said yes, but wasn't sure of the details. Not sure if corrosion would play a part in this area, unless it sat for a long time, and even then I would doubt it... my guess is the accelerated wear was due to poor material used for the bushing.

Nuts...so I guess it's just a matter of time before we all have worn out actuators.

Extended warranty here I come, or Euro Deliver an M3

[wsybert]

I wouldn't say that. Most issues with material are batch problems. They may have received one or several bad batches of bearings or bushings (not sure what is in the housing).
I would, however, push them for an in depth inspection if you have a rattle. I think Mr.5 had his seize up. Which I could see happening to mine, if not addressed.

[BMOEW]

mine rattles when i start it

[ontopofm]

Originally Posted by wsybert

Went to the dealer and saw the car. They didn't have the turbos off the car yet, but they are ready to, once the new ones arrive. They are accessible now, as the lower subframe and entire exhaust system is off the car. (Wish they could install my new AA exhaust system... no 2ndary cats, so they won't..)

There is considerable play in the bushing where the wastage arm goes through the housing. I was able to move it back and forth about 1/8" in both directions. I took a video with my phone, but the file is in .3gp format. Can anyone convert it to something I can post?

The first picture is of the rear turbo. The front turbo has the same issue. I grabbed the WG assembly from inside the housing, and was able to move it a lot.
Picture a shaft going through a hole, and the hole is oversized. That's the issue.
Bill

when i was under the car this past weekend, i could moved the actuator back and forth and it was somewhat loose, it's being checked at the dealer right now and hope to get it fix

update: the dealer is replacing my wastegates

[wsybert]

[wsybert]

update: the dealer is replacing my wastegates

You probably mean actuators. The wastegates are part of the turbo.


Just to clarify a previous statement of mine... when I suggested material issues, I was speculating. It could be something else entirely. Just wanting to be clear, as I don't have any answers on this.

[ontopofm]

Originally Posted by wsybert

You probably mean actuators. The wastegates are part of the turbo.


Just to clarify a previous statement of mine... when I suggested material issues, I was speculating. It could be something else entirely. Just wanting to be clear, as I don't have any answers on this.

my SA called me back saying they are replacing my wastegates, so im not sure which is which, and today i received a pm from a tech there saying one of the best mastertech at the dealership is working on my car