BMW 520d turbo options

Whbatt

Hi guys. Experiencing problems with turbo on a 2008 520d. No loss of power as yet, nor signs of smoking exhaust. Wheezing and whining sounds on acceleration are indicative of turbo in early stages of turbine deformation. However don't want to risk engine damage if it blows on a long trip. What are best options for me in Dublin area without having to fork out a fortune to a BMW servicing garage? And does anyone know anywhere that will take out turbo, recondition it and reinstall it in same garage?

DieselPowered

Check out the Irish BMW forums. Some good independent garages with contacts on there. Your model car is also prone to the dreaded timing chain problem if it's an LCI model with the N47 engine. Worth having that looked at too.

dudara

Moved to the Motors forum

dudara

mathepac

Whbatt wrote: »

.... And does anyone know anywhere that will take out turbo, recondition it and reinstall it in same garage?

The more usual option is to buy in a recon from e.g. Turbo Technics, fit it and p/x the old one. Like VW etc for water pumps.

drunkmonkey

Has it a bmw service history, is so try bmw before the Indy and see will they help you. Get the timing chain checked by someone while your at it, some preventive work could be worth while if your keeping it.

veetwin

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Has it a bmw service history, is so try bmw before the Indy and see will they help you. Get the timing chain checked by someone while your at it, some preventive work could be worth while if your keeping it.

What preventative work can be done on a timing chain to prevent its failure?

YbFocus

veetwin wrote: »

What preventative work can be done on a timing chain to prevent its failure?

He doesn't mean failure of the chain, I'm assuming he's talking about the crank and chain problem with the n47's.
They both need replacement before it happens.
If it's not rectified then the engine turns itself inside out basically.
New updated crank and chain if memory serves me right.

bazz26

The OP needs to tell us what engine is in their 520d. Both M47 (163bhp) and N47 (177bhp) engines were sold in 2008.

Turbo failure is more common on the older M47 engine usually because of the turbo breather filter getting clogged. There is a modified vortex shaped filter available from BMW dealers for about €80 that is supposed to help prevent this but it is still recommended to change the filter every 3rd oil service. Also what mileage is on the car and how regularly is it serviced (oil change)?

YbFocus

Hey bazz, do you still have to change the vortex ones?
I put one into mine and thought I was done at that as they're not a filter per say but a catchment device for the oil.
Not saying you're wrong just want to know if I have to change it

listermint

YbFocus wrote: »

Hey bazz, do you still have to change the vortex ones?
I put one into mine and thought I was done at that as they're not a filter per say but a catchment device for the oil.
Not saying you're wrong just want to know if I have to change it

Surely they would need to be cleaned at least ?

YbFocus

listermint wrote: »

Surely they would need to be cleaned at least ?

Looking at it I didn't think it would but I'll remove it at the next service and see, just the air filter housing etc has to come out!
I think it works by spinning the oil into the exterior walls of the vortex housing and runs back down, the air heads on where it's going.
That's why I didn't imagine it'd need changing.

bazz26

YbFocus wrote: »

Hey bazz, do you still have to change the vortex ones?
I put one into mine and thought I was done at that as they're not a filter per say but a catchment device for the oil.
Not saying you're wrong just want to know if I have to change it

The vortex one is supposed to be better than the old toilet roll shaped filter but I have read stories of turbos blowing even with the vortex filter fitted. Given that it only costs about €70/€80 I'd have it changed every 3rd oil service anyway. Better safe than sorry in my books. BMW redesigned it again when they introduced the N47 engine.

YbFocus

bazz26 wrote: »

The vortex one is supposed to be better than the old toilet roll shaped filter but I have read stories of turbos blowing even with the vortex filter fitted. Given that it only costs about €70/€80 I'd have it changed every 3rd oil service anyway. Better safe than sorry in my books.

Thanks for that man, Hey just so you know you can get it in from schmeidmann for around €60. I'm going to keep an eye on it!

bazz26

Also if not already done, make sure to get the swirl flaps removed and replaced with blanks, very common for them to break off and get ingested into the engine. Not an expensive job but saves having to rebuild/replace your engine.

M47 engine is not without it's flaws but the above preventative measures are a lot cheaper and easier to do than the timing chain issues with the newer N47 engine.

YbFocus

Thanks man, I replaced the swirl flaps, I have an m57 but all that info is still valid.
The minute I got the car I pulled them out!

Whbatt

Thanks guys for your responses and suggestions. Engine is N47 177 bhp. 90k miles on clock. Good service history at BMW up to 2011 (Scotland); brought it in and have had it serviced timely since then through independent mechanic. Probably out of warranty though at this stage.

I am getting conflicting/inconsistent estimates on cost of reconditioning. My own mechanic suggesting circa €1800 and saying this will be cheaper than BMW, but also saying not to put in reconditioned, which seems incorrect as all of these jobs involve reconditioning of one sort of another anyway (even BMW recondition theirs - no-one puts in a whole new housing etc, but re-set turbine, no?) BMW quoting not a whole lot more than this (surprise, surprise!). It's a pain though having to take out the unit, bring it to a specialist, and then have to put it in again myself - am not a mechanic. ideally need someone who can properly diagnose problem, and do whole job without fleecing me!

You have me worried when you start talking about timing chains and cranks! What are tell-tale signs of problems with these? Don't hear any chain rattle as yet anyway. Seems somewhat premature at 90k miles, no?

bazz26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIvdSPu5A5Q

Blazer

bazz26 wrote: »

The OP needs to tell us what engine is in their 520d. Both M47 (163bhp) and N47 (177bhp) engines were sold in 2008.

Don't think so at all..N47 was released in Sept 07 in the 520D but was in all cars from 08 onwards.
It originally was released in Mar 07 in the 1 series.

bazz26

Blazer wrote: »

Don't think so at all..N47 was released in Sept 07 in the 520D but was in all cars from 08 onwards.
It originally was released in Mar 07 in the 1 series.

I've seen a few 2008 520d with the M47 engine. Probably unregistered from 2007 but there are a few out there.

DieselPowered

bazz26 wrote: »

I've seen a few 2008 520d with the M47 engine. Probably unregistered from 2007 but there are a few out there.

Confirmed - there are some Irish 2008 520d's out there with the 2007 M47 engine installed.

Whbatt

Who are best independent suppliers of re-conned Turbos for 2008 520ds in (a) Dublin area, (b) Galway area? And can they take-out and re-install on premises?

Thanks