N54 Wastegate discussion

TeutonicDan · 12-02-2008, 11:53 AM

Folks,

I have a comment/question that I would like to address. Recently, I have been hearing and reading about a growing number of issue's with regards to the wastegate on the N54. A co-worker has had extensive issue's and his car has been sitting at the dealership since July this year.

At local dealerships, I find that there are growing numbers of 335i sitting at the back. I know that avoiding software upgrades and ensuring that you either know someone in house or completely detuning your car for service is a must. I also do know that they still can tell what boost you have been running (or at least overboosting it).

I have only had my car since the end of summer (very happy with it) but I am very concerned as it appears that I am starting to hear something on cold start and fear check engine lights, limp mode and voided warranties.

The real question is what can I do if there is an issue with the wastegates? What are my options? Would spending 10k + on an upgraded N54 turbo kit resolve this or should I get the 29.2 or 30.? to resolve this? It's like this was a dream and too good to be true....

p.s.- could it be the backpressure change from aftermarket exhaust's that may be prematurely causing this?

Any input would help guys.

Thanks!

Soni · 12-02-2008, 02:51 PM

Hey Dan, if you have the wastgate issue and you don't want to take to the dealer and let it sit there for months as well as upgrade your ECU software, than upgrade your V2 to V3. If you do a little search on this board, the new V3.1 software can solve this wastegate rattle issue. No need to spend 10k!!
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186226

TeutonicDan · 12-02-2008, 03:47 PM

Thanks very much Soni...I'll connect with Vishnu and get that ordered soon.

picus · 12-02-2008, 06:13 PM

I am not entirely certain what is going on with the wastegates, and what I am about to say is completely anecdotal, so take it with a grain of salt.

Of the 335/135s I've seen personally (~200 or so), one has had wastegate issues (Hi Darren!). He may or may not be running a tune (shhh). Aside from the rest of the tuned and un-tuned cars are issue free. I guess what I am saying is don't jump to the conclusion that it is the wastegates. When I had long cranks I assumed it was my fuel pump, turns out it was too much ethanol in my gas. If you are running a tune (god forbid, no one here would do that!), then as Soni mentioned make sure you have the one that has shown to effect on the wastegates.

TeutonicDan · 12-05-2008, 01:35 PM

Picus, I appreciate your approach here and agree with you to a certain extent. the reality is that there are numberous 335i's sitting in dealerships right now waiting for decisions on what to do (warranty vs. buyer) and it happened very close to home for me (friend).

I do not actually have long cranks. I have a strange ticking noise (not too loud) eminating from the mid-engine area. It gets slightly louder once the car is warmed. I'm not too sure what else it could be but the wastegates seem like a logical conclusion.

I planned to do the V3 by spring so I may actually do it a little sooner. I drive my beater most days now so it gives the car a break and actually only have 1-2 swirls from since I have visited you. Awesome job btw...

You would be proud of me. Anyhow, it's annoying but I just wanted to get some members take on this and I think the V3 is my best bet for now as the V1 is too messy and not flexible enough anyhow. Thanks Picus....I'll see you in the spring anyways.

12-02-2008, 11:53 AM	#1
TeutonicDan Second Lieutenant 46 Rep 228 Posts Drives: 2011 F10 550i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (1)	N54 Wastegate discussion Folks, I have a comment/question that I would like to address. Recently, I have been hearing and reading about a growing number of issue's with regards to the wastegate on the N54. A co-worker has had extensive issue's and his car has been sitting at the dealership since July this year. At local dealerships, I find that there are growing numbers of 335i sitting at the back. I know that avoiding software upgrades and ensuring that you either know someone in house or completely detuning your car for service is a must. I also do know that they still can tell what boost you have been running (or at least overboosting it). I have only had my car since the end of summer (very happy with it) but I am very concerned as it appears that I am starting to hear something on cold start and fear check engine lights, limp mode and voided warranties. The real question is what can I do if there is an issue with the wastegates? What are my options? Would spending 10k + on an upgraded N54 turbo kit resolve this or should I get the 29.2 or 30.? to resolve this? It's like this was a dream and too good to be true.... p.s.- could it be the backpressure change from aftermarket exhaust's that may be prematurely causing this? Any input would help guys. Thanks!
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12-02-2008, 02:51 PM	#2
Soni Major General 225 Rep 8,375 Posts Drives: Just a car Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: CANADA eh! iTrader: (35) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [9.00]	Hey Dan, if you have the wastgate issue and you don't want to take to the dealer and let it sit there for months as well as upgrade your ECU software, than upgrade your V2 to V3. If you do a little search on this board, the new V3.1 software can solve this wastegate rattle issue. No need to spend 10k!! http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186226
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12-02-2008, 03:47 PM	#3
TeutonicDan Second Lieutenant 46 Rep 228 Posts Drives: 2011 F10 550i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (1)	Thanks very much Soni...I'll connect with Vishnu and get that ordered soon.
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12-02-2008, 06:13 PM	#4
picus Brigadier General 127 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	I am not entirely certain what is going on with the wastegates, and what I am about to say is completely anecdotal, so take it with a grain of salt. Of the 335/135s I've seen personally (~200 or so), one has had wastegate issues (Hi Darren!). He may or may not be running a tune (shhh). Aside from the rest of the tuned and un-tuned cars are issue free. I guess what I am saying is don't jump to the conclusion that it is the wastegates. When I had long cranks I assumed it was my fuel pump, turns out it was too much ethanol in my gas. If you are running a tune (god forbid, no one here would do that!), then as Soni mentioned make sure you have the one that has shown to effect on the wastegates.
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12-05-2008, 01:35 PM	#5
TeutonicDan Second Lieutenant 46 Rep 228 Posts Drives: 2011 F10 550i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (1)	Picus, I appreciate your approach here and agree with you to a certain extent. the reality is that there are numberous 335i's sitting in dealerships right now waiting for decisions on what to do (warranty vs. buyer) and it happened very close to home for me (friend). I do not actually have long cranks. I have a strange ticking noise (not too loud) eminating from the mid-engine area. It gets slightly louder once the car is warmed. I'm not too sure what else it could be but the wastegates seem like a logical conclusion. I planned to do the V3 by spring so I may actually do it a little sooner. I drive my beater most days now so it gives the car a break and actually only have 1-2 swirls from since I have visited you. Awesome job btw... You would be proud of me. Anyhow, it's annoying but I just wanted to get some members take on this and I think the V3 is my best bet for now as the V1 is too messy and not flexible enough anyhow. Thanks Picus....I'll see you in the spring anyways.
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