Paranoid about Turbo Failure !!!!!

Horizon · Post by **Horizon** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 8:50 pm

Hi Folks
I am now paranoid about turbo failure. My best mate's 520d engine blew after running on full revs at the side of the M61 motorway after the turbo seals gave up on his 07 5 series. Ive had several petrol BMW;s with no engine worries, but after buying an X5 3.0 D ive beed horified by the problems that I have read on here and other sites.
I am considering changing the turbo, for a new unit. I enquired at several places today and was advised that my turbo could be either an electronically controled one or a mechanically controled one, how do I find out which one off my vin number LX23929. 2006 (55plate Sport )
Am I over reacting ?? Its got 98 K on the clock FBMWSH, and ive got a vortex C/case breather and have changed the oil at 6K and air and oil filter, Castrol Edge Turbo Diesel from Euro car parts. No sign of blue smoke, only a bit for the first second when cold starting.
I have been told that the OEM turbos cant be repaired/remanufactured.
Please can I be put straight on this matter, as I dont want a 7 grand headache. I have been quoted 695 + VAT for the mechanical turbo and £810 +VAT for an electronically controled one.
Thanks in advance for any help/advice

macky1986 · Post by **macky1986** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 8:58 pm

It is very rare for a car to start running on its own oil and the engine blowing. I have been a mechanic 10 years and only seen it once and that was during an MOT test. I worked in a garage that specialised in diesels for 4 years and never seen it happen or had any vehicles that it had happened to.

You obviously have the risk that the turbo will go on your car but like I said its uncommon to then go and run on there own oil and blow the engine. If your turbo goes you will know all about it with the amount of blue smoke that will come from the exhaust.

If your car has had the oil and filter changed regularly and you let your turbo cool a bit before switching off then this should decrease your chances of turbo failure.

Horizon · Post by **Horizon** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:06 pm

Thank Macky.
I spoke to a few turbo companies today, some say its a problem across the range, and one said that with good servicing/regular oil changes it.s very rare.
Cheers for the reply

macky1986 · Post by **macky1986** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:09 pm

I can't speak for the X5 turbos as I don't have any experience with them and haven't even picked mines up yet lol. But in general it is very rare.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:24 pm

It is a rare occurrence on these cars, despite all the scare stories on the web. As long as you do all the right things - which from the servicing angle it sounds as though you are - and allow a warm-up and cool-down cycle after a high speed/motorway run so that the bearings and seals don't cook you should be fine.

Despite best efforts there is always a risk of a mechanical failure - as with any part on ANY car - but awareness and care are half the battle.

If you are still concerned then remove the air intake trunking and look to see if there are any signs of oil staining anywhere, or any 'play' in the turbo rotor.

There are lots of turbo diesel car owners on here, and a few (and only a few) who have had a turbo failure with none I can recall having experienced a 'runaway'. That should reassure you I hope..

. I've personally been running TDI cars since 1991 and have never had a problem.

Horizon · Post by **Horizon** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:49 pm

Thanks X5 Sport
Thanks for the down to earth reply, Its easy to get carried away with the mania on these forums. I was looking back over old posts and didnt see many turbo changes going on!
I often wonder if ignorance is bliss, we wont worry about these things if we dont go digging to find out.
Thanks for the reply .

dirtymonkey29 · Post by **dirtymonkey29** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:55 pm

It's easy to get carried away with any media. If you believed all you read you'd probably never leave home in fear of being attacked/murdered etc and you definitely wouldn't eat eggs/chicken/beef/pork/lamb/bread/sugar/tinned food/salt etc etc lol

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 10:07 pm

Agree with all the posts below - don't get carried away with what you hear or experience. You got lucky/unlucky to witness one!

£7k - no chance, £2k at max with damage.

BUT you keep it serviced well, get the breather and oils changed and that is the best you can do. You have no control over mechanical failure.....

Horizon · Post by **Horizon** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 11:40 pm

Thanks for the replies guys

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