E46 330D Turbo

[Bugger]

My 2004 E46 330D turbo, I suspect, is giving me issues. And has been for a while. When on the freeway cruising there is no pull, and when you accelerate there is a definite delay before any sort of power comes through, and there is a fair amount of grey smoke coming from the exhaust. I haven't gone as far as taking the car in to get checked, mostly because I haven't had time to do it.

The car drives ok, but you can certainly tell there's a distinct lack of power. It's the 156Kw engine (M57N) if memory serves me correct, with a Garrett turbo. All the signs point to this, as the car makes quite a loud noise, almost like a serious vacuum leak noise, when you rev it. I have found a few places that can replace cores, refurbish, repair, and replace the turbo. Here's the thing. The car is going to be given to my daughter as an 18th birthday present in August. What are the chances of the turbo stopping the car completely? Can it still be driven ok by an 18 year old without the turbo working properly? Should I do the core replacement and refurbishment? Replace with a second hand turbo (brand new is out of the question cost wise)?

The car has 225,000kms on the clock, and it's actually an awesome drive, and in damn good condition. But if someone has a recommendation as a best route forward, or, alternatively, a good turbo refurbisher/repairer, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Danny2]

Conact Gaby from Fastec for your turbo repairs.

0829224233 or email [email protected]

 

[Donovan2412]

My 2004 E46 330D turbo, I suspect, is giving me issues. And has been for a while. When on the freeway cruising there is no pull, and when you accelerate there is a definite delay before any sort of power comes through, and there is a fair amount of grey smoke coming from the exhaust. I haven't gone as far as taking the car in to get checked, mostly because I haven't had time to do it.

The car drives ok, but you can certainly tell there's a distinct lack of power. It's the 156Kw engine (M57N) if memory serves me correct, with a Garrett turbo. All the signs point to this, as the car makes quite a loud noise, almost like a serious vacuum leak noise, when you rev it. I have found a few places that can replace cores, refurbish, repair, and replace the turbo. Here's the thing. The car is going to be given to my daughter as an 18th birthday present in August. What are the chances of the turbo stopping the car completely? Can it still be driven ok by an 18 year old without the turbo working properly? Should I do the core replacement and refurbishment? Replace with a second hand turbo (brand new is out of the question cost wise)?

The car has 225,000kms on the clock, and it's actually an awesome drive, and in damn good condition. But if someone has a recommendation as a best route forward, or, alternatively, a good turbo refurbisher/repairer, I'd appreciate it.

It definitely should not be driven without the turbo.

 

[DieselFan]

Before you start replacing turbos etc. Have you checked all vacuum lines and boost pipes?

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[Bugger]

I've checked as much as I can with limited space to do so. Just from what I'm hearing, seeing and feeling it would seem like the turbo. I haven't taken it anywhere for fear that if it is something simple, and I haven't picked it up, I'm going to get mowed for a new turbo as a swindle, if that makes sense?

I'm perfectly handy with petrol engines, diesels I'm not as confident with.

 

[RAArmstrong]

Start by replacing all your vacuum lines and check for boost leaks. Sounds like you have a vacuum leak though

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[Bugger]

Thanks guys. I hope it's that simple!

 

[Waseem 333i]

On these cars the boost pipes crack and the intercooler leaks. The way you explain i will suggest looking at those first. Its not difficult to remove. Two bolts holding the boost pipe to turbo then a clip holding to intercooler. Other side has clips on both ends. Underneath just behind the front bumper remove that cover. Two screws hold the intercooler in. The cold side boost pipe has a sensor. I would suggest cleaning that while you at it with some electrical contact cleaner.

 

[Bugger]

The car is up on stands as we speak because it's had a strip down detail over the last two weeks so it's the perfect time to get under there and look. Are the pipes and hoses easily replaceable? Sounds easy enough. Thanks Waseem!

 

[Kavi44]

Check Fuel Rail Sensors disconnect it and if it does not make a difference thats the problem
maybe do a diagnostic test first
Refurbish should cost no more than R2500 + Labour and you done

 

[osiris]

I had the 2004 E46 330d a couple years back. I took it for a dyno and it was massively under-powered so I suspected a boost leak.

I took the intercooler out as it was a seriously simple job to do by myself, and I filled it with water and the water just came pouring out of one of the corners.

The problem with these inter-coolers is that they are half plastic and half aluminum so where they join is a weak point which is exactly where the problem on my inter-cooler was.

I replaced the intercooler and all was well.

 

[Waseem 333i]

The car is up on stands as we speak because it's had a strip down detail over the last two weeks so it's the perfect time to get under there and look. Are the pipes and hoses easily replaceable? Sounds easy enough. Thanks Waseem!

Sorry for the delay. They are not easy as pie to remove but not very difficult. On my car I replaced the vacuum lines for the turbo and removed the rest. Its easy do do once the manifold is out and still possible when manifold is still in.

 

[Bugger]

Thanks for the feedback guys, really appreciate it. Just as a matter of interest, maybe I am barking up the wrong tree regarding the turbo being at fault, what would my symptoms be of a busted turbo? My research says my symptoms are pointing at the turbo. The one thing I didn't mention in my original post is there is a loud almost wooshing noise coming from the turbo side of the car, hence me not being able to determine if it's a vacuum/boost leak or the turbo.

 

[Waseem 333i]

I used to have a weird noise coming from the turbo. I removed the cat and fitted a 76mm downpipe. That sorted out that noise and revived some performance. Now i am getting a wooshing sound from the left. I know its the boost pipe because there is a huge crack. With the millage of you car i would say cat is blocked and you have boost leaks and vacuum lines are worn. The vacuum lines for the egr, swirlflaps and engine mounts go first but because the turbo shares vacuum with those things the turbo can get effected. One more thing you need to look at is the breather. You can remove the intake pipe going from airfilter to turbo. The turbo shaft will be visible. Ideally there should be no play in either direction but you will get some play from side to side. If you have too much play from in and out then i would say its caput. I doubt the turbo is very bad though.

 

[RAArmstrong]

These cars arent exactly known for eating turbos unless you drive them like a doos... So I'm inclined to agree with Waseem...

 

[Bugger]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, appreciate it. So this may be a relatively simple fix, and if the aforementioned isn't the case, then, and only then, the turbo MIGHT be faulty?

True Waseem, cos the car does have about 228,000kms on it. And another thing I did forget to mention, is that although there is power loss, it does almost seem to lag and then boost again and then the power comes back in. So I think you wise gentlemen may be on to something here! Are all these lines, hoses and pipes accessible from the top of the car? Or will I need to get under it?

 

[Waseem 333i]

You can reach them from the top. It also depends if you have decided to bypass the rest of them. The swirl flaps need to be removed before removing that vacuum line. I've removed the vacuum lines for egr, swirlflaps and engine mounts on my car. I used less than 2 meters of new vacuum hose for the turbo. Only one small piece needs to be done from the bottom. I put the car on ramps. That gave me enough space to replace that hose.

 

[Bugger]

Awesome Waseem, appreciate your help mate :thumbs:

 

[Waseem 333i]

My pleasure

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[JENICH]

Waseem to the rescue:rollsmile: