2012 X5 Diesel Turbo Actuator failure, how long until upper turbo fails?

[fwdrofl]

Hello,



I had my X5 diesel lose power (limp mode) on the freeway and throw a CEL, made a whining noise above 2k. I thought the upper turbo was about to fail.



Codes we pulled (before I took it to the dealer)


4D16 - SCR System Efficiency

4530 - Charging pressure control, high pressure state, control deviation: charging pressure too low/positive control deviation
4B81 - Exhaust-gas re circulation-rate control, control deviation
4C8C - Exhaust back pressure sensor before turbine, plausibility

54C6 - Transfer Case; Oil Wear



It's at 111k and has extended 3rd party warranty until 120k. Dealer tells me the turbo waste gate actuator had failed, but that I also had a failed SCR cat, everything would be covered except the cat (so Im out $2700... kicking myself for not just doing full deletes).



Maintenance since ownership at 53k

- Swirl Flap Deletes at 53k

- Waterpump and hoses done at 76k

- Transfer Case/Trans/F&R Diff fluids, gaskets, pan done at 90k

- Glow plugs + glow plug module 105k

- Oil changed every 7.5k (except most recently I let it lapse to 10k, not proud)



I'm very anxious and paranoid that if the waste gate actuator failed and the hoses were super brittle then it was only a matter of time before the bearings on the upper turbo take a dump and then I have an even bigger headache, or if any damage was done to the DPF when this happened. The car sat for a week and when I started it to get on the tow truck I noticed the oil was low, previously it was saying somewhat overfilled but now its less, scared that oil went into the DPF.



I know BMW doesn't care about this possibility and probably just hope it happens after 120k. So I'm just looking for some feedback or advice for how I should handle the car when I get it back, I do love the car and I don't want to sell it.

[ard]

You 100% sure it is the cat that is bad???? and not a bad nox or two that is being interpreted as a cat failure?






Id bet money that withn X000 miles you get 4d16 again, or nox codes.

[josiahg52]

Make your dealer replace the NOx sensors and urea dosing module. Those are covered under a 120k/10yr extended warranty. It's more than likely not the SCR catalyst that is causing the 4D16 DTC. This will not be easy but lesrm about the system and make them do it.

While they're at it, maybe you can find fault with the active DEF tank that's covered also. Best to find document that states the extended warranty items and stipulations. Mine was sent to me from BMW NA via mail.

[fwdrofl]

Originally Posted by ard

You 100% sure it is the cat that is bad???? and not a bad nox or two that is being interpreted as a cat failure?






Id bet money that withn X000 miles you get 4d16 again, or nox codes.

I failed to mention that the nox sensors were bad when they diagnosed it and they were covered under an extended federal warranty.

[fwdrofl]

Originally Posted by josiahg52

Make your dealer replace the NOx sensors and urea dosing module. Those are covered under a 120k/10yr extended warranty. It's more than likely not the SCR catalyst that is causing the 4D16 DTC. This will not be easy but lesrm about the system and make them do it.

While they're at it, maybe you can find fault with the active DEF tank that's covered also. Best to find document that states the extended warranty items and stipulations. Mine was sent to me from BMW NA via mail.

My service advisor went over everything that would be covered under the extended warranty, The NOX sensors went bad as a result of the cat failing (his words), and they were replaced under warranty. He didn't mention anything about the urea dosing module but I brought my concerns for the DPF and he didn't think there was anything that warranted replacement yet.

[ard]

you should then absolutely leave the cat alone, see if the nox replacement fixes it.


Your SA is an (1)idiot or (2) liar. Cats cannot ruin nox sensors. In fact, if it really did, the warranty should cover the nox! If a non-covered part fails, all other failures caused by the precipitating failure would not be covered.)


But Im guessing too late, you approved it?

[fwdrofl]

Originally Posted by ard

you should then absolutely leave the cat alone, see if the nox replacement fixes it.


Your SA is an (1)idiot or (2) liar. Cats cannot ruin nox sensors. In fact, if it really did, the warranty should cover the nox! If a non-covered part fails, all other failures caused by the precipitating failure would not be covered.)


But Im guessing too late, you approved it?

Yes I did, I can't recall if he said the cat failing caused Nox to fail, or if Nox cause cat to fail... either way the Nox were replaced under a federal emissions warranty, but not the cat...

[josiahg52]

Actually, your NOx sensors were replaced under a BMW (the manufacturer) 10yr/120k mile extended warranty.

The federal emissions warranty - which would cover oxygen sensors or their equivalent, the NOx sensor in a modern diesel engine - is for 2yrs/24k miles. It covers a wide array of components and requires the manufacturer to cover the cost of repairs and parts if the vehicle FAILS an emissions test. Generally, it is used to cover the cost of these parts even if they fail when not part of an emission test.

Other specific components - a much smaller list to be sure - are covered by an 8yr/80k mile warranty.

I'm kind of still thinking that the SCR is not the problem. My service advisor started the same BS with me when I brought it in for a locked in "999 miles to No Start" and 4D16. He wanted to replace the SCR, started telling me tales of woe if I didn't do it, that I'd be back. Clearly the problem was with the active tank - covered under the BMW extended warranty - and the NOx sensors. I insisted that those be changed and the dosing module for good measure. Really fought me on the NOx sensors. Anyway, that was almost 40k miles ago.

After that interaction, the relationship, or rather, the dynamic between him and I changed and he's much easier to deal with. You can be assured that with a little research, you will know more about any single vehicle than any service advisor.