[riddoch]

Last week my 2011 335i went into limp mode. I took it into the dealer and they diagnosed the problem as faulty fuel injectors. Lucky I have a little time left on CPO warranty and the parts and labor are covered.

Today I received a call from the dealer. I was expecting them to let me know it was ready to be picked up, but instead the voicemail was to let me know the CEL was still coming on due to a broken charge pipe. Apparently this is not covered under warranty and is $475 to replace.

First of all: My car is completely stock. No tune. Having owned the car a year and half or so I've had no prior CEL's. What are the odds my fuel injectors and charge pipe went out at the same time? Anyone have any advice before I accuse them of breaking it?

Secondly: Assuming I lose that argument, what's the best replacement? I'm seeing Evolution Racewerks make a good replacement for $275 - http://www.evolutionracewerks.com/node/190

Cobb tuning makes one for $195, but I haven't seen any reviews for it. http://www.cobbtuning.com/BMW-N55-Ch...e-p/7b2210.htm

It seems they're all pretty much the same. If anyone has something comparable that's cheaper please let me know ASAP. I'd like to call the dealer back with a game plan. Thanks!

[norsairius]

Haven't heard much about Evolution Racewerks or Cobb, but I believe VRSF's offering is pretty popular here: http://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-chargep...i-n54-n55.html

Disclaimer: This isn't something I've researched too thoroughly. In general, an aftermarket metal charge pipe will be an upgrade from the factory plastic unit.

[mike5809]

Id buy an ER Charge Pipe as I have heard the best about them and own one myself. They use a factory C-Clip too. Install it yourself and save ~$200. The ER Charge Pipe (and I assume others) are very easy to install.

As an FYI, stock charge pipes do fail on stock cars. So that isn't totally unheard of.

[riddoch]

Will it damage my car driving 10-15 miles home from the dealer in limp mode? I spoke to them and they said I can drive it, but because they're worried about me damaging it, they won't charge labor. The part is still $350. The install looks simple, so I'm not worried about that...

[snaimpally]

Burger tuning has one that has been around for a while - there should be plenty of reviews.
http://www.burgertuning.com/chargepipe_N55_BMW.html

If you don't have much warranty left and the dealer isn't going to cover replacing it you are probably better off replacing it yourself. However, I am pretty sure others have had the chargepipe replaced under warranty - do a search of the forum and confirm. I don't see why chargepipe shouldn't be covered.

[timothy2001]

Originally Posted by snaimpally

Burger tuning has one that has been around for a while - there should be plenty of reviews.
http://www.burgertuning.com/chargepipe_N55_BMW.html

If you don't have much warranty left and the dealer isn't going to cover replacing it you are probably better off replacing it yourself. However, I am pretty sure others have had the chargepipe replaced under warranty - do a search of the forum and confirm. I don't see why chargepipe shouldn't be covered.

I installed the Cobb CP and it's fine, uses the factory clip and was easy to install. I usually don't let price drive my purchases but in this case I saw nothing wrong with the more inexpensive one. Works well for me.

[riddoch]

Originally Posted by timothy2001

I installed the Cobb CP and it's fine, uses the factory clip and was easy to install. I usually don't let price drive my purchases but in this case I saw nothing wrong with the more inexpensive one. Works well for me.

That's what I was thinking I just hoping for a positive review. Thanks!

[riddoch]

Originally Posted by snaimpally

However, I am pretty sure others have had the chargepipe replaced under warranty - do a search of the forum and confirm. I don't see why chargepipe shouldn't be covered.

That's what I was thinking. All I've found are a couple post saying it wasn't covered. I'm not sure how I challenge them on this anyway. I guess I can call another dealer and ask if they cover it. At the end of the day I'll still have the same pos oem part. A tune isn't in my near future anyway though.

[MORTON]

There have been other posts about charge pipe and sensor being broke and as I looked through the threads they all stated that the warranty covered it. Google: BMW warranty charge pipe. The first couple are from threads from this site. I didn't look at the dates so it may have changed but good luck and let us know what they say. I'd call them back and tell them that it is covered and that it wasn't broke when you visually inspected the engine bay before taking it in..

[riddoch]

Originally Posted by MORTON

There have been other posts about charge pipe and sensor being broke and as I looked through the threads they all stated that the warranty covered it. Google: BMW warranty charge pipe. The first couple are from threads from this site. I didn't look at the dates so it may have changed but good luck and let us know what they say. I'd call them back and tell them that it is covered and that it wasn't broke when you visually inspected the engine bay before taking it in..

After speaking with my service rep, he said the CEL came on during the test drive AFTER the injectors were replaced. Sounds fishy, but my best bet is probably getting the warranty to cover it. I guess I'll call a couple other local dealers in the AM. Does the "people on forums says it's covered" argument work? I don't expect it to, but could be wrong.

[ryanakata]

If they don't cover it I have an ER one for sale!

[MORTON]

Originally Posted by ryanakata

If they don't cover it I have an ER one for sale!

Ultimately is just buy a new one bro check this guy out ^^^ you buy one and install it for waaayyyyyyy less than $475. I would at least argue a free oil change or something and just tell them you'll take your shit elsewhere, drive it home and install the aftermarket one..

[MORTON]

Oh and yes they said that they brought it into another dealership and that dealership covered it.. But again the stock charge pipe is a POS anyways.. I'm assuming ironically it broke on the test drive..

[335NJ]

VRSF is my recommendation, they all do the same thing for the most part, just meth bung location differences. You should get a metal one anyway since the stocker likes to break.

[riddoch]

So no concerns about limping home with a cracked charge pipe?

Originally Posted by ryanakata

If they don't cover it I have an ER one for sale!

Can you send me a PM or some more info? I'm newish here and it's telling me i can't send you a message for commercial use?

[LMT0286]

I have a stock charge pipe for n55 I will sell you for $75

[ucdbiendog]

how the F is that not covered under warranty?

[wwc310]

mine was covered under warranty...have a VRSF now and it works great

[riddoch]

Originally Posted by wwc310

mine was covered under warranty...have a VRSF now and it works great

Good to know!

[Fun w/N54]

Originally Posted by wwc310

mine was covered under warranty...have a VRSF now and it works great

ALL non maintenance related items are covered under 4/50 original warranty.

Visit another dealer.

[mike5809]

OP said he is under CPO, no factory warranty.

[Johnny Boost]

Go with VRSF, BMS, or ER.