[clegg]

I am looking at an N54 335i that runs, doesn't smoke but has no boost with some wastegate rattle.

There is no ses light on the dash. Possible vacuum leak or boost solenoids?

It has 118000 miles.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by clegg

I am looking at an N54 335i that runs, doesn't smoke but has no boost with some wastegate rattle.

There is no ses light on the dash. Possible vacuum leak or boost solenoids?

It has 118000 miles.

Do a smoke test

[relative4]

I would start by puliling vacuum on the lines between the vacuum canisters and the connection behind the OFH.

[Bimmer_Engineer]

Originally Posted by clegg

I am looking at an N54 335i that runs, doesn't smoke but has no boost with some wastegate rattle.

There is no ses light on the dash. Possible vacuum leak or boost solenoids?

It has 118000 miles.

If there's no boost then there should be a half engine light on the dash...

[clegg]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Engineer

If there's no boost then there should be a half engine light on the dash...

I agree.

The car is priced at 4000. Very nice condition, gray, black interior, auto, aluminum looking trim. I may roll the dice. and pick it up.

Can the turbos be bad without them rollin smoke though?

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by clegg

I agree.

The car is priced at 4000. Very nice condition, gray, black interior, auto, aluminum looking trim. I may roll the dice. and pick it up.

Can the turbos be bad without them rollin smoke though?

Offer $3,500 for it. Chances are you are going to be dumping some money in it reguardless......most people don't want a broken car, you are in a good position.

I would throw out the offer and see what they say. Can't hurt.

[Bimmer_Engineer]

Originally Posted by clegg

I agree.

The car is priced at 4000. Very nice condition, gray, black interior, auto, aluminum looking trim. I may roll the dice. and pick it up.

Can the turbos be bad without them rollin smoke though?

If the car isn't throwing a half engine light and a 30 ff code when you floor it then it's not the turbos. The DME is expecting to measure a certain level of boost throughout the rev range and if it doesn't see the right amount it will throw a 30ff code...

[dpaul]

Just out of curiosity, how do you know there is no boost?

[clegg]

The seller is stating that. I have not physically looked at the car yet. It's an xi car.

I am just thinking that it's something simple. I need to go and drive it as I can compare with my 07 335i. I am just trying to prepare for what to look for.

[okayboomer]

Originally Posted by clegg

The seller is stating that. I have not physically looked at the car yet. It's an xi car.

I am just thinking that it's something simple. I need to go and drive it as I can compare with my 07 335i. I am just trying to prepare for what to look for.

Having the ability to read codes when you look at the car would be helpful. What others said is true, if it's not throwing a 30ff it's likely not underboosting. You asked about boost solenoids, both of mine failed and it was very obvious. The car held vacuum well but threw a 30ff code immediately, so it doesn't sound like that's the issue. I'm not sure but I think if the car is in limp mode it doesn't attempt to build boost, but even then it would show on the dash/idrive so it sounds like it's not a boost issue.

To your other question, yes the turbos can be bad without smoking under some conditions. My rear turbo was quite shot when I moved to RBs but it didn't smoke. I'm not too familiar with the high mileage N54s but my understanding is the turbos don't last much over 100k (mine failed at 60k fwiw)