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

[SlickGT1]

I am not sure on this turbo specifically, but I do know that Turbos can be rebuilt. The only thing I think that would stop you from bolting on a new aftermarket turbo is the connections to the factory plumbing. In which case, a nice weld shop can fab this up for you.

I would not go for the newer turbos if I were you. The engine management is not programmed for more boost. You would have to look at a stand alone controller, or get some shop to do this for you, maybe they can reprogram the factory one, but this would change your price drastically.

It would be nice if someone could find the specs for the factory one. Finding a replacement would be simpler.

[TwinsPoppa]

Maybe try a salvage yard?

I don't like the idea of buying a used turbo but if its not too much it beats $3K dollars.

[bigwave2255]

ive done some ringing around today, and came across an older chap who has been in the turbo business for many years, he put my mind at ease assured me there are heaps cheaper ways to address this leak, he reckoned if there were no weird noises, that the power hadn't dropped off and if there was no smoke, it could easily be repaired with new seals, he presently had a reconditioned one and a new one specific for my model on the shelf.

he reassured me that as long as its not leaking oil onto the road it will be ok to continue using it indefinitely, however i have arranged to get it into him in the new year.

[SlickGT1]

Excellent. Like I said, I have seen them rebuilt. I have seen them rebuilt where I though there is just no way in hell, but everything is fixable it turns out.

I still say try to find a junked car, might be the cheapest option. After that, the person you met seems like he knows what is going on.

Either way, glad you have a piece of mind.

[IanP]

My friend replaces blown turbos all the time with recon units. Unfortunately as we are in the UK its not much help, but there will be re-manufactured units available locally to you, I am sure

[Turbo_Bimmer]

Originally Posted by bigwave2255

he reassured me that as long as its not leaking oil onto the road it will be ok to continue using it indefinitely, however i have arranged to get it into him in the new year.

Just make sure that there is no oil dripping near the exhaust manifold. Oil can be ignited if it touches hot parts.

[powers1]

Originally Posted by bigwave2255

ive done some ringing around today, and came across an older chap who has been in the turbo business for many years, he put my mind at ease assured me there are heaps cheaper ways to address this leak, he reckoned if there were no weird noises, that the power hadn't dropped off and if there was no smoke, it could easily be repaired with new seals, he presently had a reconditioned one and a new one specific for my model on the shelf.

he reassured me that as long as its not leaking oil onto the road it will be ok to continue using it indefinitely, however i have arranged to get it into him in the new year.

Hi Bigwave,
First make sure someone checks the oil feed pipe to turbo and the oil exit drip pipe,to make sure its not losing from there.
You have a Garret GT2260 and its the best suited to your car ,unless you want to change other things.The pre-facelift X5 have a GT2056 or 2256 (bit smaller).
I already given a lot of information on the subject!I know its difficult to find,but if you search under" GT2260 TURBO",I think you will find all the information you need here
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-growling.html
Anything else ,lets us know...but even at Bmw dealer here ,just the job of supplying and fitting a turbo,oil feed pipe,all gaskets etc is €1500.00 less €350.00 ,dealer gives for your old turbo(whatever the condition).
If you do get the job done outside Bmw ,get your "indy to replace the oil feed pipe as well,as this usually get clogged on high mileage.

[bigwave2255]

thanks powers yep im on top of that, however can you tell me if i have the upgraded crankcase breather, ive read plenty on what happens when they clog up, however as we dont have the damp weather to contend with, and i drive 50 km each way to work i thought i might escape these worries

i have a july 2005 built car and according to realoem the p/n is 11127799225, i read recently someone recommending fitting the one off the e70 11127794597

what are your thoughts, from realoem it seems i have an oil separator whereas the e70 doesnt , should i be changing this, or maybe i should just wait till next month till the turbo guy looks at it

Ewen

[RickM5X3]

Time to trade for a Holden V-Series . . .