Change Car Turbo

Very technical 8h00–14h00 ~800–1400€
Temps estimé 8h00–14h00
Coût estimé ~800–1400€
Difficulté Very technical
Motorisations
3-Series 2005-2013 3
  • 335i, -Xi Gas (N54B30A)
  • 335i, -Xi Gas (N55B30A)
  • 335is Gas (N54B30A)
3-Series 2011-2020 5
  • 320i, -xDrive, -LPG LPG,Gas (N20B20B)
  • 320i, Flex Ethanol (E100),Gas (N20B20A)
  • 328i Gas (N26B20A)
  • 328i, -xDrive Gas (N20B20A)
  • 335i, -xDrive Gas (N55B30A)

What is the role of the BMW 3-Series turbo?

The turbocharger increases engine power by compressing the intake air, allowing more air (and therefore more fuel) into the combustion chambers. It is driven by exhaust gases spinning a turbine at speeds up to 250,000 rpm. The compressed intake air passes through an intercooler to reduce its temperature before entering the engine.

What are the symptoms of a failing BMW 3-Series turbo?

Common symptoms include: loss of engine power or boost, excessive exhaust smoke (blue/white for oil burning, black for over-fuelling), whining or whistling noise from the turbo area, engine warning light or turbo fault codes, oil leaks at the turbo housing, increased oil consumption.

What causes BMW 3-Series turbo failure?

The main causes are: oil starvation (blocked or restricted oil feed lines, low oil level, poor oil quality), foreign object ingestion, excessive exhaust temperature, worn bearings due to high mileage, and contaminated oil. Always investigate and fix the root cause before fitting a replacement turbo.

Can a BMW 3-Series turbo be reconditioned?

Yes, turbo reconditioning is a common and cost-effective alternative to buying new. A reputable service will disassemble, inspect, replace worn parts, rebalance, and test the unit. Expect to pay 30–60% of the new price.

Is it difficult to change a BMW 3-Series turbo?

Difficulty level 5/5: very technical. The turbo is connected to both the intake and exhaust systems, requiring numerous disassembly steps. Approximately 5 hours on average for a professional mechanic. Key precautions after fitting: change the engine oil and filter, prime the turbo with oil before starting, allow the turbo to cool down after hard driving by idling for 30 seconds before switching off.

6 générations couvertes

Génération Période Motorisations Carburant
3-Series 1975-1983 1975-1983 320 Gas (M10B20), 320i Gas (M10B18F) Gas
3-Series 1982-1995 1982-1995 316 Gas (M10B18), 318i Gas (M10B18), 318is Gas (M42B18), 325e Gas (M20B27), 325i, -ix Gas (M20B25), M3 Gas (S14B23) Gas
3-Series 1990-2000 1990-2000 318is Gas (M42B18), 318is, -LPG LPG,Gas (M44B19), 323i Gas (M52B25), 325i Gas (M50B25), 328i, -LPG LPG,Gas (M52B28) Gas, LPG
3-Series 1998-2007 1998-2007 323i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Gas (M52B25TU), 325i Gas (M56B25), 325i, -xi, -ti, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Gas (M54B25), 328i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Gas (M52B28TU), 330i, -xi, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Gas (M54B30) Gas, LPG
3-Series 2005-2013 2005-2013 325i, -Xi Gas (N53B30A), 325i, -Xi, -LPG LPG,Gas (N52B25A), 328i, -Xi Gas (N51B30A), 328i, -Xi Gas (N52B30A), 330i, -Xi Gas (N52B30A), 335d Diesel (M57D30T2), 335d Diesel (M57D30T2), 335i, -Xi Gas (N54B30A), 335i, -Xi Gas (N55B30A), 335is Gas (N54B30A) Diesel, Gas, LPG
3-Series 2011-2020 2011-2020 320i, -xDrive, -LPG LPG,Gas (N20B20B), 320i, Flex Ethanol (E100),Gas (N20B20A), 328d Diesel (N47D20C), 328i Gas (N26B20A), 328i, -xDrive Gas (N20B20A), 335i, -xDrive Gas (N55B30A) Diesel, Ethanol (E100), Gas, LPG