[dcorn]

^^ I'll have to try that if it comes back with the rattle still.

When I mentioned the rattle to my SA this morning, he says "oh yeah, probably the turbos, that's a common complaint that the wastegate rattles". When I asked him what they do to fix it (playing stupid sorta), he told me they usually don't do anything, but will replace the turbos if its bad enough or detrimental to the car. Not the response I was looking for.

[Alex@Helix]

^ I brought my car in the other day complaining about the same thing. My SA knows I work for Helix so i told her straight up, my waste gates are rattling. I took a drive with the foreman to see if we could "replicate the problem". As soon as he turned on my car (which was parked between two other cars) I scrolled down the window and said, hit the gas pedal and let off. He did so and they rattled away (emphasized by the echo off the cars next to us). He took it for a spin and he was a real pleasant guy. I told him about my job and about how Ive taken these turbos apart and I know the main causes of why these wastegates make noise. Even after all that, my SA comes back the next day with "Oh thats normal, unless there is a code we cant do anything".


^all I could do was laugh at that. There is NO way my warranty is running out without me getting those turbos replaced.

[EastBayE90]

I bought my E90 in September with 39,000 on it and it has had the rattle from day one. I brought the car in during December to have it serviced. I mentioned the rattle to my SA and he also kind of brushed me off.
He said "oh yea that noise its OK we have a new software fix for that."

Knowing they were going to update it with 2.40.2 I stayed quiet and just let them. Hoping it would take care of the noise. After I got the car back the rattle was considerably less than before. I could sill hear it parked while revving the engine cold.
I did notice that the rattle became slightly louder after reinstalling the PROcede.

At this point I know that the noise is nothing to worry about but it is slightly annoying. Next time the car is brought back in for service I will push the issue harder to have them replace the actuator rods or turbos. Knowing how hard Shiv pushes these cars and how his wastegates have been rattling for a while now I know I have nothing to worry about.

It's just a matter of personal preference.

[Thumperx]

Here's my update, I took my car in yesterday to deal with the wastegate clatter issue. Half a day later, my SA comes back and informs me that they are changing out the actuators. Not entirely sure if this means that they're replacing the actuators only or replacing both turbo units. For time efficiently, it would make sense if they change the turbos too. I'll find out when I pick up the car today.

[Litos]

so what does this wastegate rattle sound like?

any clear giveaways?

[Thumperx]

Originally Posted by (-(ellblazer420

I bought my E90 in September with 39,000 on it and it has had the rattle from day one. I brought the car in during December to have it serviced. I mentioned the rattle to my SA and he also kind of brushed me off.
He said "oh yea that noise its OK we have a new software fix for that."

Knowing they were going to update it with 2.40.2 I stayed quiet and just let them. Hoping it would take care of the noise. After I got the car back the rattle was considerably less than before. I could sill hear it parked while revving the engine cold.
I did notice that the rattle became slightly louder after reinstalling the PROcede.

At this point I know that the noise is nothing to worry about but it is slightly annoying. Next time the car is brought back in for service I will push the issue harder to have them replace the actuator rods or turbos. Knowing how hard Shiv pushes these cars and how his wastegates have been rattling for a while now I know I have nothing to worry about.

It's just a matter of personal preference.

I too experience the slight less clatter when the car's software was updated. As mentioned in the previous post, my car is at the dealership having the actuators replaced. Sounds like this next on your to-do-list.

Which dealer ship have you been working with? FYI, I've been working with Peter Pan BMW, and I've experience no hard lined issues with them.

[Thumperx]

Originally Posted by Litos

so what does this wastegate rattle sound like?

any clear giveaways?

Roll the window down, drive your car on a street or alley way with cars or high walls so you'll hear the engine sound reflect off and back to your ears while driving. Step on throttle, then then lift off the throttle. You'll hear a rapid clicking sound when you lift off the accelerator and the sound will disappear when you engage the throttle. It's pretty evident. Or YouTube it, you'll find many videos on the subject

You do not need to be going fast to hear it. Nor do you need to have the car warmed up. It occurs at anytime temp and speed.

[dcorn]

Originally Posted by Alex@Helix

^ I brought my car in the other day complaining about the same thing. My SA knows I work for Helix so i told her straight up, my waste gates are rattling. I took a drive with the foreman to see if we could "replicate the problem". As soon as he turned on my car (which was parked between two other cars) I scrolled down the window and said, hit the gas pedal and let off. He did so and they rattled away (emphasized by the echo off the cars next to us). He took it for a spin and he was a real pleasant guy. I told him about my job and about how Ive taken these turbos apart and I know the main causes of why these wastegates make noise. Even after all that, my SA comes back the next day with "Oh thats normal, unless there is a code we cant do anything".

^all I could do was laugh at that. There is NO way my warranty is running out without me getting those turbos replaced.

This is my situation to a T. SA called me back this afternoon and said "yeah you're wastegates are rattling, its a common problem, we aren't going to do anything to fix it." Complete BS. I want them to at least replace the actuators if that is possible. My warranty is up in less than 2 months, so they may be just trying to brush me off.

Originally Posted by Thumperx

Here's my update, I took my car in yesterday to deal with the wastegate clatter issue. Half a day later, my SA comes back and informs me that they are changing out the actuators. Not entirely sure if this means that they're replacing the actuators only or replacing both turbo units. For time efficiently, it would make sense if they change the turbos too. I'll find out when I pick up the car today.

I wonder why the hell my SA won't recommend replacing the actuators. I'll be asking about this when I pick it up today.

[mia335i]

How does the rattle sound can someone post a video .. Thanks

[Thumperx]

Dcorn, it is time consuming of a process (9 to 12 work hours). Depending on staff and shop setup, they may become resistant to issues like yours (big IF). Try another dealership to get the work done. Be stupid when going in. They should give you a loaner car if this is the case.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by dcorn

This is my situation to a T. SA called me back this afternoon and said "yeah you're wastegates are rattling, its a common problem, we aren't going to do anything to fix it." Complete BS. I want them to at least replace the actuators if that is possible. My warranty is up in less than 2 months, so they may be just trying to brush me off.




I wonder why the hell my SA won't recommend replacing the actuators. I'll be asking about this when I pick it up today.

Interesting comments from your service dept(btw which one is it?), since the car is still under warranty they would get paid for the work, right, can't figure why they would stonewall you? I agree...Complete BS!!

[EastBayE90]

Originally Posted by Thumperx

I too experience the slight less clatter when the car's software was updated. As mentioned in the previous post, my car is at the dealership having the actuators replaced. Sounds like this next on your to-do-list.

Which dealer ship have you been working with? FYI, I've been working with Peter Pan BMW, and I've experience no hard lined issues with them.

Yup thats next on the list prob will take it back in after a few months I'm not in too big of a rush. I bought the car at Weatherford BMW in Berkeley and have been taking it there for service because it is close to my work. I've heard stories that their service department isn't the greatest. If my SA gives me a hard time fixing this rattle than I was going to take it to another dealer.

So Peter Pan has been pretty easy going with the fix? If Weatherford doesn't workout I hope I can find a dealer closer to where I live in the east bay to do the work Perter Pan is out of the way kinda.

I was thinking about taking it to Concord BMW or East Bay BMW maybe they will be a little more helpful.

[dcorn]

Originally Posted by Thumperx

Dcorn, it is time consuming of a process (9 to 12 work hours). Depending on staff and shop setup, they may become resistant to issues like yours (big IF). Try another dealership to get the work done. Be stupid when going in. They should give you a loaner car if this is the case.

I tried the 'playing dumb' at first, but once the dude mentioned that it was probably the wastegate, I told him I was completely aware of the situation. I didn't mention that I knew of the fixes though. He said something about replacing turbos, but apparently my car doesn't qualify for that...



This is at Passport BMW in MD.

[Thumperx]

Originally Posted by dcorn

I tried the 'playing dumb' at first, but once the dude mentioned that it was probably the wastegate, I told him I was completely aware of the situation. I didn't mention that I knew of the fixes though. He said something about replacing turbos, but apparently my car doesn't qualify for that...



This is at Passport BMW in MD.

If they're replacing the turbos even better. Sounds like you're on it. It's only a matter of time. Curious, why do you think you don't qualify? Technically you're still under warranty, so it should be covered.

Do you think they may "foot drag" or "sand bag" the situation to end of your warranty, then try to charge you for the work?

*Update*
I got my car back last night. So far, so good. No clatter. FYI, they changed only the actuator units though. To date, the warranty items performed on my car were: software programming, fuel injectors, actuators, and HPFP.

My experience with my dealership has been positive, so far. I've complain of whatever situation, and they have been responsive with the fixes. Yes, I had to go through some inconveniences and hurdles to get the fixes done. In the end, all items have dealt with.

Now it's safe to place the V5 back into car, and get back to the fun.

[Litos]

Originally Posted by Thumperx

Roll the window down, drive your car on a street or alley way with cars or high walls so you'll hear the engine sound reflect off and back to your ears while driving. Step on throttle, then then lift off the throttle. You'll hear a rapid clicking sound when you lift off the accelerator and the sound will disappear when you engage the throttle. It's pretty evident. Or YouTube it, you'll find many videos on the subject

You do not need to be going fast to hear it. Nor do you need to have the car warmed up. It occurs at anytime temp and speed.

wow, great play by play.

to be honest with you, i did this once i got my car to see if i could hear a slight "blow off valve", but i don't rememebr hearing any clicking.

i'll check it once i get my car back.

[michael1284]

Hmm..can't tell if it's my wastegates rattling or what. I can hear the noise when I tap the throttle a bit and let go. It's really loud when I start cold, and then gets quieter once I warm up a bit. I can also hear it upon accelerating (2-3k RPMs). I'm going to try to the Mr. 5 fix this weekend since I need the car to be pretty cold before I try it and burn my arm off

Note: I only noticed the rattling after I installed my downpipes. Did not hear anything prior to that...

[Thumperx]

Originally Posted by michael1284

Hmm..can't tell if it's my wastegates rattling or what. I can hear the noise when I tap the throttle a bit and let go. It's really loud when I start cold, and then gets quieter once I warm up a bit. I can also hear it upon accelerating (2-3k RPMs). I'm going to try to the Mr. 5 fix this weekend since I need the car to be pretty cold before I try it and burn my arm off

Note: I only noticed the rattling after I installed my downpipes. Did not hear anything prior to that...

Keep us informed to your process and out come.

[michael1284]

Got the nut off, but couldn't find anything to turn the rod. Who the heck keeps 4mm wrenches around anyways!?

Going to have to go and buy a 4mm wrench somewhere tomorrow and try it. I did notice one thing. While the car was off, I reached down to touch the wastegate rod. Should it be completely firm? I noticed it could move a bit and if it moved it I could see it making a rattle.

[Thumperx]

I think you might want to contact Greg (Aka Mr 5) to find more about your issues and details.

He's a good resource.

[idrift4wd]

i just had the same problem. they replaced the waste gate actuators...no new turbos here. didnt really help the sound go away

[Rotorocious]

Originally Posted by michael1284

Got the nut off, but couldn't find anything to turn the rod. Who the heck keeps 4mm wrenches around anyways!?

Going to have to go and buy a 4mm wrench somewhere tomorrow and try it. I did notice one thing. While the car was off, I reached down to touch the wastegate rod. Should it be completely firm? I noticed it could move a bit and if it moved it I could see it making a rattle.

I'm about to do this as well. Let us know if a 4 mm fits.
Also are you doing this above the engine just leaning over the fender?

[michael1284]

Went to harbor freight today and couldn't find a 4mm wrench. Going to try Sears and if I still can't find one I'll have to just order some online somewhere. And yes, just reaching into the engine leaning over the fender. It's so dark down there I had to drop a mini LED light that I had down there so that I could see with one hand down there....