X5M needs new turbos

[kdbryce]

Hi guys

A few months ago I had some pretty big issues with my X5M. Smoke was coming from the engine and it got so bad that I couldn't drive it anymore. I had it towed to my local BMW dealer and they said it needs new turbos. They quoted me just under $11k. I think that is WAY too high, but I don't have anything to compare it to.

Any ideas? Has anyone dealt with this before? Should I just bite the bullet and pay it? I'm really hoping an indie shop can do it for much (much) less.

Edit: I should also mention that I would get a reduced power code if I got on the gas when this first started. But it would always be cleared the next time I started the car up. That was the only code or light or message I ever got through iDrive

Thanks

[mitch808]

I have no doubt an indy shop can do it for less, if they perform the same work (assuming they agree with the diagnosis). Of course you live in NY, and prices there seem to be some of the highest in the country too...

With an indy, perhaps you can source some of your own parts to save some money?

[pdX5M]

What is part of the "some other work" they reommended? I mean if you're at all handy you can probably manage to swap out some turbos yourself if you can source the parts. Out of curiosity how many miles do you have on it?

[TwinSnailz]

A blown or failed turbo will cause no boost and will set off a engine light for underboost. A failed turbo shaft seal will cause smoke out to the exhaust.

Smoke in the engine bay is leaking oil or coolant from inlet/outlet of the turbo. Have a second look.

[ncbimma]

there's always this:

https://x-ph.com/pure-turbo-bmw-s63-s63tu-stage-2/

[kdbryce]

Originally Posted by pdX5M

What is part of the "some other work" they reommended? I mean if you're at all handy you can probably manage to swap out some turbos yourself if you can source the parts. Out of curiosity how many miles do you have on it?

It has around 60k. I've never had any issues with it before. I bought it with around 15k already on it

[kdbryce]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

A blown or failed turbo will cause no boost and will set off a engine light for underboost. A failed turbo shaft seal will cause smoke out to the exhaust.

Smoke in the engine bay is leaking oil or coolant from inlet/outlet of the turbo. Have a second look.

I'm actually kind of hoping that an indie will tell me it doesn't need new turbos at all. I have had some sketchy experiences with this dealer in the past... but everything has always been under warranty. This is my first car out of warranty.

I was getting a reduced power code when I got on the gas, but only occasionally and that was the only light that ever came on

[pdX5M]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

A blown or failed turbo will cause no boost and will set off a engine light for underboost. A failed turbo shaft seal will cause smoke out to the exhaust.

Smoke in the engine bay is leaking oil or coolant from inlet/outlet of the turbo. Have a second look.

I second this opinion. Could be oil feed or return lines which would be MUCH less expensive to fix thanks what that dealer is quoting you.

[RichardH]

I'm not convinced it's the turbos I have been through this get another opinion

[Robkap21]

Since you live in NY and the vehicle is a 2013 with only 60,000, the turbos should be covered by the SULEV warranty. I would specifically ask the dealer about SULEV warranty coverage. My 2012 X5m just had one turbo replaced under this same warranty and I live in New England. Interestingly, the prior owner of my vehicle lived in New York and had the other turbo replaced and the New York City area dealer did not do the replacement through the SULEV warranty.

I hope this helps.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

This exact thing happened to me, looked like James bond smoke screen when i drove it. Its just coked up oil return lines. The n63 and s63 both can suffer from this, especially if shit oil is used in them. The oil return lines run right next to the exhaust manifolds BMW made the brilliant decision not to sheild them. If your turbo coolant pump is on its way out then it can accelerate this. Replace your oil return lines and your turbo coolant pump while your at it. Parts should be around 400-500 at dealer prices, 250ish online (this includes gaskets, crush washers, etc. It's about a 12 Hour job to do it so tack on another 1500-2k in labor if you don't do it yourself

[kdbryce]

Originally Posted by Robkap21

Since you live in NY and the vehicle is a 2013 with only 60,000, the turbos should be covered by the SULEV warranty. I would specifically ask the dealer about SULEV warranty coverage. My 2012 X5m just had one turbo replaced under this same warranty and I live in New England. Interestingly, the prior owner of my vehicle lived in New York and had the other turbo replaced and the New York City area dealer did not do the replacement through the SULEV warranty.

I hope this helps.

I'll ask, but even if it is something that should be covered, I suspect the dealer will deny this. I'll look into it, but any other information you have would be helpful.

Thanks

[kdbryce]

Originally Posted by Sophisticated Redneck

This exact thing happened to me, looked like James bond smoke screen when i drove it. Its just coked up oil return lines. The n63 and s63 both can suffer from this, especially if shit oil is used in them. The oil return lines run right next to the exhaust manifolds BMW made the brilliant decision not to sheild them. If your turbo coolant pump is on its way out then it can accelerate this. Replace your oil return lines and your turbo coolant pump while your at it. Parts should be around 400-500 at dealer prices, 250ish online (this includes gaskets, crush washers, etc. It's about a 12 Hour job to do it so tack on another 1500-2k in labor if you don't do it yourself

I'm really hoping it's something this simple and I don't actually need new turbos. My coolant actually ran out almost immediately after I replaced it last time.

Thanks

[TwinSnailz]

Why not just pop off the silver engine cover and just look at it. Don’t be intimidated being a bmw. It’s the same with any other cars but just more hoses and hose and more pipes and sh!t tons more hose. Shine a bright flashlight with the engine running and look for any leaks. Really simple and free.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

Why not just pop off the silver engine cover and just look at it. Don’t be intimidated being a bmw. It’s the same with any other cars but just more hoses and hose and more pipes and sh!t tons more hose. Shine a bright flashlight with the engine running and look for any leaks. Really simple and free.

^^^^^this x 1000

The last car I really did any work on before I got the X5 had carb and a wire to the starter, one to the alternator, and one for the ignition...when I popped the hood on the X5, I thought WTF.. looks like someone just dumped a mess of wires and hoses on top...BUT it's actually not bad to work on, just be meticulous and take pics of everything and organize where everything goes. if had the turbos off mine several times while playing with the downpipes and rebuilding the wastegates. It's really not to bad... unless you have big hands.. then your kinda screwed when it comes to get the turbo to manifold clamp bolt out...

[Sophisticated Redneck]

On a n63 550i but essentially the same for your M. Half way through he shows you the coked up lines. Mine had the EXACT same thing. When you do yours, wrap them in a heat sheild

[9vapors]

This is what SR is talking about in the lines...

[Robkap21]

I found this link which is from 2016:

https://batxcr1.bmwcenternet.com/lib...s_Coverage.pdf

It looks like it might only be adopted in New York for model year 2016 and newer vehicles. In my state of residence, it covers vehicles model year 2000 and newer. It's still worth checking into. I saved about $6,000.00 on a dealer turbo replacement under this warranty.

[Autobacs]

Just picked up my 2011 X5M with 65,800 miles that just had both turbos replaced by BMW San Diego under an aftermarket warranty of the previous owner. Total bill, including replacing the crossover line and filtered air ducts, was around $6,500. 'This was with the each turbo priced at around 2.2K. A quick check shows you can buy them for around 1.7K.

[LastLong]

Why the turbos are dommaged like that?

My friend 2010 BMW X5M has 111 000 miles on it and do not need to replace them?! Not yet lol...

[kdbryce]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

Why not just pop off the silver engine cover and just look at it. Don’t be intimidated being a bmw. It’s the same with any other cars but just more hoses and hose and more pipes and sh!t tons more hose. Shine a bright flashlight with the engine running and look for any leaks. Really simple and free.

I did that before I brought it in. Couldn't see anything

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by LastLong

Why the turbos are dommaged like that?

My friend 2010 BMW X5M has 111 000 miles on it and do not need to replace them?! Not yet lol...

My theory is the oil return lines coke up when the turbo coolant pump is weak or shit Oil is used(coke is formed when oil burns)
Due to the hot V design of the n63 and s63. This limits oil flow to the turbo, pushing oil into the intake and allowing the turbo bearing and seal to overheat. Basically BMW was to cheap to cover th oil lines in heat shield...it's not like these are 100 thousand dollar machines...oh wait...😉