first serious problem

[bigwave2255]

hi can anyone point me in the right direction, i have a 2005 3.0d and have a slight oil seal leak on the turbo.

ive had a look on RealOem and there is no description other than the BMW P/N

can anyone tell me what type of turbo it is and if its available other than through BMW, are they repairable??, although i think i probably would be happier with a new one.

i first noticed a little engine oil on the underside of the cross member, and asked my mechanic to check, he reports that the bearing seal is weeping outwardly, there is no internal leak as i dont have smoking issues (yet)

he said it would cost around $3000 to replace and reckons its not worth it at this point.

however if i could get a new turbo and it be a bolt in replacment i would consider doing it sooner than later.

i also wonder if i can get a better/bigger/twin scroll/ newer technology unit

anyone with first hand experience or can help out with parts compatibility??

Thanks

Ewen