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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
cos_mo
Active member
Thanks bro
2 pipe good, 4 pipe bad..
Riaad
Events Organiser
Riaad
Events Organiser
exactly
cos_mo
Active member
Update:
Following the car servicing, I couldn't resist the temptation to increase its power. Around October 2022, I had a downpipe installed by Colab, and @Xcede Performance took care of the software tuning. As a result, the car's performance improved significantly, reaching respectable figures (218kw 600nm). This upgrade came just in time for MFest, where I encountered an E90 335i on the way and easily outperformed it (suspecting it was in its stock condition). I also had a race with a tuned Focus ST, and once again, my car came out on top. Surprisingly, the fuel consumption remained unchanged even after the tune, and the addition of the downpipe provided a pleasing sound and enhanced the turbo flutter.
Initially, everything was going smoothly, and I thoroughly enjoyed the increased power of my car. However, problems arose in February. While accelerating off a ramp onto the N14, I heard a breaking sound and suddenly lost all power. The car refused to engage any gears or start. I had to wait for three hours for roadside assistance and BMW on-call service. Eventually, the car was towed to Budler, where it was discovered that the turbo core had broken off. I informed them about the modifications I had made to the car, including the tune and downpipe. Budler replaced the core and performed an oil service, and initially, everything appeared to be fine. They mentioned that the turbo core likely broke off due to normal wear and tear.
After two weeks, a loud whining noise started emanating from the turbo. I took the car back to Budler, and they replaced the core at their own expense, suggesting that it may have been a faulty unit that caused the bent core. Another two weeks passed, and the same issue occurred again in early March. This time, Budler decided to replace the core with a billet one, suspecting that the car was operating at excessively high boost levels. They informed me that if the Billet core experienced the same problem, they would be unable to assist and would need to import a core capable of handling the boost. It's worth noting that Budler provided excellent service and maintained good communication throughout the entire process.
After the turbo core replacement, I noticed a more noticeable lag in acceleration. Quick lane changes now necessitated downshifting, whereas before they did not. To confirm this change, I took the car to Xcede for another dyno test, which indeed showed a decrease in torque at lower rev ranges, as indicated in the image below. Furthermore, I observed an increase in fuel consumption with a similar driving style, resulting in a figure of 11l/100km, compared to the previous 10l/100km.
Now, in June, I'm facing the same turbo whine issue as before, but this time it took approximately two months to reoccur, whereas previously it took about two weeks. I'm unsure about the root cause of the problem and I am seeking a second opinion. Could it be related to the boost? Or is there something else that could be causing trouble with my turbo? I reached out to Fastec, but they require only the turbo itself, while Stallion Turbos mentioned they have no issue with the turbo remaining in the car.
What would you suggest I do in this situation?
Following the car servicing, I couldn't resist the temptation to increase its power. Around October 2022, I had a downpipe installed by Colab, and @Xcede Performance took care of the software tuning. As a result, the car's performance improved significantly, reaching respectable figures (218kw 600nm). This upgrade came just in time for MFest, where I encountered an E90 335i on the way and easily outperformed it (suspecting it was in its stock condition). I also had a race with a tuned Focus ST, and once again, my car came out on top. Surprisingly, the fuel consumption remained unchanged even after the tune, and the addition of the downpipe provided a pleasing sound and enhanced the turbo flutter.
Initially, everything was going smoothly, and I thoroughly enjoyed the increased power of my car. However, problems arose in February. While accelerating off a ramp onto the N14, I heard a breaking sound and suddenly lost all power. The car refused to engage any gears or start. I had to wait for three hours for roadside assistance and BMW on-call service. Eventually, the car was towed to Budler, where it was discovered that the turbo core had broken off. I informed them about the modifications I had made to the car, including the tune and downpipe. Budler replaced the core and performed an oil service, and initially, everything appeared to be fine. They mentioned that the turbo core likely broke off due to normal wear and tear.
After two weeks, a loud whining noise started emanating from the turbo. I took the car back to Budler, and they replaced the core at their own expense, suggesting that it may have been a faulty unit that caused the bent core. Another two weeks passed, and the same issue occurred again in early March. This time, Budler decided to replace the core with a billet one, suspecting that the car was operating at excessively high boost levels. They informed me that if the Billet core experienced the same problem, they would be unable to assist and would need to import a core capable of handling the boost. It's worth noting that Budler provided excellent service and maintained good communication throughout the entire process.
After the turbo core replacement, I noticed a more noticeable lag in acceleration. Quick lane changes now necessitated downshifting, whereas before they did not. To confirm this change, I took the car to Xcede for another dyno test, which indeed showed a decrease in torque at lower rev ranges, as indicated in the image below. Furthermore, I observed an increase in fuel consumption with a similar driving style, resulting in a figure of 11l/100km, compared to the previous 10l/100km.
Now, in June, I'm facing the same turbo whine issue as before, but this time it took approximately two months to reoccur, whereas previously it took about two weeks. I'm unsure about the root cause of the problem and I am seeking a second opinion. Could it be related to the boost? Or is there something else that could be causing trouble with my turbo? I reached out to Fastec, but they require only the turbo itself, while Stallion Turbos mentioned they have no issue with the turbo remaining in the car.
What would you suggest I do in this situation?
Attachments
cos_mo
Active member
which mechanic would you recommend to remove the turbo, keep the car at premises all while gabby checks the turbo and then re-install the turbo?
cos_mo
Active member
Thank you, I will give them a call tomorrow.
cos_mo
Active member
Following advice from various forum members through both public discussions and private messages, I reached out to Darkartz for assistance with my car issue. However, they declined to inspect the car due to the perceived risks involved. Dealing with the inconvenience of being without a car for an extended period (Gabbi), I explored other options and took the vehicle to Stallion Turbos. After their inspection, it was determined that the turbo was functioning properly, and the whining noise I had been concerned about was deemed within the normal range for turbo sounds.
Subsequently, I decided to have the car's oil changed at ZF, but the attempt was unsuccessful due to the burnt condition of the oil. Additionally, they identified an issue with one of the clutches and advised that the gearbox internals needed replacement in the near future. I had also noticed an odd clunking noise during low-speed turns, prompting me to have the gearbox overhauled. Following this, I had the upper and lower control arms replaced, resulting in a significant improvement in the car's performance.
On a more positive note, I decided to enhance the car's features. Although it had Bluetooth functionality limited to calls, I opted to install an Android unit, which markedly improved both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the car. The transformation was evident in the before-and-after pictures I took.
Looking ahead, my car is due for a service soon, and I am currently searching for an aftermarket air filter that surpasses the stock one. I have been considering options like BMC or K&N filters, but I am struggling to find the right fitment. (A picture of the stock filter is attached.) If anyone could offer assistance or direct me to a reliable source, I would greatly appreciate it.
Subsequently, I decided to have the car's oil changed at ZF, but the attempt was unsuccessful due to the burnt condition of the oil. Additionally, they identified an issue with one of the clutches and advised that the gearbox internals needed replacement in the near future. I had also noticed an odd clunking noise during low-speed turns, prompting me to have the gearbox overhauled. Following this, I had the upper and lower control arms replaced, resulting in a significant improvement in the car's performance.
On a more positive note, I decided to enhance the car's features. Although it had Bluetooth functionality limited to calls, I opted to install an Android unit, which markedly improved both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the car. The transformation was evident in the before-and-after pictures I took.
Looking ahead, my car is due for a service soon, and I am currently searching for an aftermarket air filter that surpasses the stock one. I have been considering options like BMC or K&N filters, but I am struggling to find the right fitment. (A picture of the stock filter is attached.) If anyone could offer assistance or direct me to a reliable source, I would greatly appreciate it.
Attachments
BeemerFanatic
Events Organiser
Just read this thread. Wow amazing transformation. I did something similar with my F30 a few years ago, worth the effort right.
cos_mo
Active member
thanks, and definitely worth the effort!
Do you have a thread for your f30? I'd like to check that out
BeemerFanatic
Events Organiser
My ride
Hi Been browsing the forum for a while now and got some cool fanatics stickers from Arbee. Thanks Arbee for the great service.
www.bmwfanatics.co.za
I have sold the car prior to emigrating. Funny thing, I bought a Mk8 Gti in Aus as the price for Gti was marginally more than the lower spec and it’s just a daily.
One day will hopefully get into a BMW again. Hopefully the more older desired models though.
cos_mo
Active member
cos_mo
Active member
Thanks bud, really appreciate it!
