[ben410]

I took my car into BMW of Houston North yesterday morning and today they called me and let me know they had to order 2 new wastegate actuators and that will fix it. In your experiences, and reading on this board, how often does replacing the actuators really fix the problem?? I can't help but listen to my SA and think "Wow… now I just have to wait until you guys put these in, then bring it back to have my turbos replaced when the rattle returns…"

I would think that if BMW had to replace the turbos on all these cases they wouldn't still be doing actuator replacements only.

[joec500]

well mine actually started off as an actuator replacement, but the techs are now also instructed to measure the tolerances of the wastegate and if they are off spec they are then approved to replace the actual turbos. Good luck and hope they do the right thing and get you new turbos.

[ben410]

**UPDATE**

Just got back from the dealer and they told me:

"We replaced your actuators and the noise is 'less noticeable" but if it's still there in 30 days bring it back and we'll replace your turbos."

Apparently, the actuators have to "adjust" and then the noise will be gone... (???)

I have a feeling I'll be back there in 30 demanding a turbo replacement. However, there's nothing I can do until then.

At least they did a major tuneup and replaced all my brake fluid, pads, checked everything, etc. Turns out whoever had my 335 before (I bought it used) NEVER did ANY sort of maintenance for ~15k miles. Good to have that all taken care of.

Next step - new turbos!


**P.S.** I "DO" have a question though… I'll be moving to a different state next month. If I show the SA at BMW in AZ my paperwork from this repair, do you think they'll go where they guys here left off? (i.e. replace my turbos without any hesitation)

Thanks!

[ETS Michael]

They will still need to get authorization for the turbocharger repair. I have a thread up where I had to go through hell to just get the turbochargers replaced.

Here is my thread.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...light=3000+rpm

Attached are the invoices showing what they tried.

Michael

[mechanixhorseman]

I was lucky enough to have a dealer that didn't even waste time just replacing the actuators and went straight ahead in replacing both turbos. I think BMW has for the most part acknowledged the poor design of the first turbo design and are pretty much approving the replacement of turbos on most wastegate rattle cases.

[ETS Michael]

The Mitsubishi turbos seem to be a night and day difference.

Michael

[kcalhoun27]

i just got my car back today with new turbos, due to this problem. give this a chance, and if you hear the slightest rattle, take it right back. sadly, i doubt BMW will change it just because you argue with them, but its worth bringing up.

[ChrisB41]

I have very very slight wastegate rattle on start up. I have 48000 miles on the clock and thinking it would be nice to get some new turbos. Called a friend that works at a BMW dealer and he said to pull a hose off the wastegate and it will throw a code, put the hose back on then bring it down and they will put new turbos on.

I dont think it will be that easy, but has anybody had an issues like this?

[Duke]

ahhh mine are rattling now too... i was in denial before but its just getting worse. i have 07 335 march build, so would that mean i also have the old model turbos?

[ETS Michael]

I would think so, mine was built in late 06

[zesus-3]

I have 53k on my car....extended warranty....I have rattle on startup, so I took it to my dealership and complained many times,.,, they checked out the wastegates and they keep insisting that it was the exhaust rattling....I do also hear rattling coming from muffler valve flap so that is true......I dont know what is going to happen but I complain about the rattle everytime I go for service....

I also found out that my turbo's were replaced at 28K so im assuming that my WG's are good......

I fucking hate this car.

[blisstik]

At what production date did BMW start using the "new" turbos? Can anyone school me on the revisions? Has there been only 1? As I've read in these forums, the "new" one's have beefier actuators.