[tadaska]

Hi guys and girls,

Earlier today, while on dual carriageway my E90 320D (2006) lost power and started making a high pitched noise. I drove briefly not knowing what is going on but the speed kept dropping and I pulled over. I called RAC recovery and the guy said it's the turbo and pulled me home. I can drive the car but it makes a whining noise and RPMs are reluctant to go above 1000.

Maybe it's a silly question but do you guys think it's definitely the turbo? I watched a couple of "turbo problem" vids on youtube and the sound is similar to those in the vids.

Another question is is it possible to fix myself? I have fixed my cars many times (not the BMW) and have some tools and basic knowledge. But I never had to deal with turbos and know nothing about them. Can it be DIYed or is it garage only?

Thank you!

[ritzzzzzwik]

Originally Posted by tadaska

Hi guys and girls,

Earlier today, while on dual carriageway my E90 320D (2006) lost power and started making a high pitched noise. I drove briefly not knowing what is going on but the speed kept dropping and I pulled over. I called RAC recovery and the guy said it's the turbo and pulled me home. I can drive the car but it makes a whining noise and RPMs are reluctant to go above 1000.

Maybe it's a silly question but do you guys think it's definitely the turbo? I watched a couple of "turbo problem" vids on youtube and the sound is similar to those in the vids.

Another question is is it possible to fix myself? I have fixed my cars many times (not the BMW) and have some tools and basic knowledge. But I never had to deal with turbos and know nothing about them. Can it be DIYed or is it garage only?

Thank you!

you sure you have a 320d? I mean it didn't come with a turbo, so that can't be the problem

[VTECaddict]

Originally Posted by ritzzzzzwik

you sure you have a 320d? I mean it didn't come with a turbo, so that can't be the problem

320d most definitely has a turbo. All modern diesels are turbo'd.

I would get it properly diagnosed at least before attempting to replace anything, as turbos are expensive so you don't want to go around replacing it unless it's definitely the issue.

DIY or garage depends on your comfort level. I don't know for the N47 specifically, but the turbo is usually pretty nestled in there so you will have to take a lot of things out to get to it.

[ritzzzzzwik]

I stand corrected. 320d indeed is a turbo. as the gentleman above me stated, get it checked first. a turbo replacement is quite expensive, so you want to be sure it's them before moving forward. that said a high pitched siren sound is generally turbo related. GL

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by VTECaddict

320d most definitely has a turbo. All modern diesels are turbo'd.

I would get it properly diagnosed at least before attempting to replace anything, as turbos are expensive so you don't want to go around replacing it unless it's definitely the issue.

DIY or garage depends on your comfort level. I don't know for the N47 specifically, but the turbo is usually pretty nestled in there so you will have to take a lot of things out to get to it.

Modern? It's a 2006. But interesting...didn't know they were turbo'd.

[BSM n54iS]

Was I the only one who started laughing and kinda hoped he didn't have a turbo? lol

Anyways OP...pull some codes for us

[tadaska]

Originally Posted by Black n54is

Was I the only one who started laughing and kinda hoped he didn't have a turbo? lol

Anyways OP...pull some codes for us

I don't know how to... is that where something OBD is used? If so can you recommend me a good but reasonably priced one?

[galahad05]

What kind of noise? Can you post a video or audio clip? The codes would be better, but this may be easier for you to do.


Also, just throwing this out as a possibility: busted charge pipe. Pretty easy fix. Of course it doesn't (easily) explain the poor revs past 1k rpm.

I know the very small turbo diesels are VERY low power without the boost....

[tadaska]

Originally Posted by galahad05

What kind of noise? Can you post a video or audio clip? The codes would be better, but this may be easier for you to do.


Also, just throwing this out as a possibility: busted charge pipe. Pretty easy fix. Of course it doesn't (easily) explain the poor revs past 1k rpm.

I know the very small turbo diesels are VERY low power without the boost....

OK will do, going to film it on my phone now and see if I can post it on Youtube or something.

[tadaska]

Here is the video. What do you guys think? Any chance I don't need a new turbo?

[ritzzzzzwik]

that sounds like money, you'll have to pay to get the turbos replaced. Sorry bud!

[BlindWolf187]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

Modern? It's a 2006. But interesting...didn't know they were turbo'd.

A 2006 is still considered a modern car. I wouldn't consider it "not modern" until the late 90's probably. Car technology doesn't change that fast.

[mxchris727]

That sounds like turbo while unfortunately. I would not drive it as it is; metal flakes from the failed bearing can enter the oil.

[tadaska]

Originally Posted by ritzzzzzwik

that sounds like money, you'll have to pay to get the turbos replaced. Sorry bud!

Not something I need at the moment... but it has to be done... will have to ask my manager for some overtime...

Anyway, I found this step-by-step on replacing it: http://www.bmwforums.info/general-gu...n2-engine.html It looks doable except where it needs two pairs of hands to get the new turbo on. Also I think I left behind the axle stands when moving to my new place.

So I came up with a plan... There is this guy close to where I live who fixes old bangers on the road outside his house (on a cul-de-sac). Normally I would not trust him (I would not trust a garage too tbh) but I'm thinking of asking him to do the repair with me present. I'll print out all step-by-step instructions, buy the turbo and all other things I need (oil pipes/hoses, gaskets, oil, oil filter, air filter, brake and clutch cleaner) and he can do the job while I watch and give him a hand when needed. This way I will know it's been done properly and maybe it will be a bit cheaper. Also I want to see what that car is like. I bought it recently, rather cheap, but without any history. So if I see that the air filters are very old I will know it's been neglected and needs some urgent tlc.

But first I have to find out which engine I have. I was looking on Wiki but the info there looks inaccurate... The engine for my car is listed as M47TU2D20 but on forums I see many mentions of M47N2 for my age 320D. Googling M47N2 brings very little info, it's almost as if officially it doesn't exist... Only on forums

Could you guys tell me how to find out which engine is in my car? Ideally without driving to a garage or dealership as I don't want to cause any more damage to it. At a glance my engine looks just like the one in the linked tutorial but does that mean I have the M47N2 or does the M47TU2D20 look the same?

[Vitalität]

Originally Posted by tadaska

Not something I need at the moment... but it has to be done... will have to ask my manager for some overtime...

Anyway, I found this step-by-step on replacing it: http://www.bmwforums.info/general-gu...n2-engine.html It looks doable except where it needs two pairs of hands to get the new turbo on. Also I think I left behind the axle stands when moving to my new place.

So I came up with a plan... There is this guy close to where I live who fixes old bangers on the road outside his house (on a cul-de-sac). Normally I would not trust him (I would not trust a garage too tbh) but I'm thinking of asking him to do the repair with me present. I'll print out all step-by-step instructions, buy the turbo and all other things I need (oil pipes/hoses, gaskets, oil, oil filter, air filter, brake and clutch cleaner) and he can do the job while I watch and give him a hand when needed. This way I will know it's been done properly and maybe it will be a bit cheaper. Also I want to see what that car is like. I bought it recently, rather cheap, but without any history. So if I see that the air filters are very old I will know it's been neglected and needs some urgent tlc.

But first I have to find out which engine I have. I was looking on Wiki but the info there looks inaccurate... The engine for my car is listed as M47TU2D20 but on forums I see many mentions of M47N2 for my age 320D. Googling M47N2 brings very little info, it's almost as if officially it doesn't exist... Only on forums

Could you guys tell me how to find out which engine is in my car? Ideally without driving to a garage or dealership as I don't want to cause any more damage to it. At a glance my engine looks just like the one in the linked tutorial but does that mean I have the M47N2 or does the M47TU2D20 look the same?

Based on experience of most owners who wanted to save with no experience, I'd say you might end up spending more money than bringing it to the dealer. Also, there are indy shops that charges less than dealership so you might want to know the numbers first before deciding to go with a person you don't trust.

If something goes wrong, scenario would be: two of you end up with nasty relationship, possibly lawsuit, threats, taking things personally, etc. Bottom line would be - No working car for you.

[galahad05]

Yeah, that sounds like turbo bearings. Kind of sucks man.

Still, it's just one turbo.


Here in the States a replacement small turbo would cost (just to buy the turbo) something like $800--this is an extremely rough ballpark figure. Installation...depends on just how painful it is to get to the unit.
Get it done by a pro.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by BlindWolf187

A 2006 is still considered a modern car. I wouldn't consider it "not modern" until the late 90's probably. Car technology doesn't change that fast.

Makes sense! Meaning the major changes- got it.