Turbo Repair & Replacement
Low boost, a rattle on decel or blue smoke? Most turbo problems are diagnosable, and not every one means a new turbo.
Which cars are affected
- BMW N54 twin-turbo: 135i, 335i, 535i, 1M, Z4 35i
- BMW N55, N20, B48 and B58
- VW and Audi EA888 2.0T: IS20 and IS38 turbos in GTI, Golf R, S3
- Audi 2.9T and 3.0T, and other European turbo engines
Symptoms to watch for
- Loss of power or reduced power mode
- Rattle on deceleration or at idle (wastegate)
- Whistling, siren-like noise or grinding
- Blue or gray smoke from the exhaust
- Underboost or overboost fault codes
Diagnose first
Many "turbo" problems are something else: a cracked charge pipe, a split boost hose, a failed diverter valve or a sensor fault. We smoke-test the intake for boost leaks, log boost against target, and inspect the turbo for shaft play and oil before recommending a turbo replacement.
Common turbo issues
Wastegate rattle: worn wastegate linkages on N54, N55 and IS20/IS38 turbos cause a rattle and can lead to boost control problems. Oil seepage: worn seals can push oil into the intake or exhaust. Failed bearings: grinding, shaft play and smoke mean the turbo itself is done.
How we fix it
When a turbo is needed, we use OEM or OE-equivalent units and replace the oil feed and return lines, gaskets and any contaminated intercooler or piping, so the new turbo isn't damaged by debris from the old one. We'll also look at why it failed (oil supply, leaks, maintenance) so it doesn't happen again.
Related
Performance Builds · Diagnostics & Programming · BMW Oil Leak Repair
Request a call back
Leave your number and we'll call you back during shop hours. Add your VIN and we can look up your car before we call.
Common questions
Is wastegate rattle a problem?
It's usually not urgent on its own, but it's a wear item that can get worse and affect boost control. We'll tell you how far along yours is.
Can a charge pipe cause low boost?
Yes. Factory plastic charge pipes on many BMWs crack, causing sudden loss of boost. It's a common and inexpensive fix compared to a turbo.
Do you install upgraded turbos?
Yes, as part of a planned performance build. See Performance Builds.