How is reliability of 135i turbo?

[SHKDOWN]

So, I went for the N/A 128i. It's been a flawless performer.

What has the reliability of the 135i turbo six been like? Have you had problems, specifically, with the turbo charger?

I'm talking mainly to people who use their 135s as daily drivers. Have you had issues with the turbo charger?

[Yeineken]

I DD my N55 Turbo. So far flawless at 77k miles. However I don't drive like a hooligan and I'm not super rough on my cars.

[ultimated]

my turbos were replaced under warrantee (N54 engine) because of the usual wastegate noise. Known fault. Allegedly the replacements were reengineered to reduce likelihood of repeat.

[dm874]

My first 1er was replaced because of the rattle (recall was done) 81k, my second 1er has turbos that pull like a champ at 74k but I can hear a rattle so they will likely be replaced before the warranty expires. Just make sure the 135i that you get has 1) either already had the turbos replaced or 2) There is still some time for you to get them replaced before the extended warranty expires

[PA135i]

Had a waste gate issue and car thru a code. New turbos at 49K so was covered under warranty. I now have 107K and no issues. Maybe BMW improved the waste gates?

[BimmerE82]

Was there a campaign to replace the turbos on the N54 engine?

[PA135i]

They extended warranty coverage on the turbos until 82K or 84K, I believe.

[Esteban]

2011 135i with N55 turbo here and zero issues. Less than 30K miles on the clock. Work from home so no daily commute, but enjoy a spirited drive every day. In my opinion, these cars were meant to have fun in.

[Cobber77]

DD for me - spirited driving, nothing crazy. Turbos just replaced at 67k - wastegate rattle. o2 sensor just replaced, waterpump 55k.

[Cmoney135i]

Originally Posted by dm874

My first 1er was replaced because of the rattle (recall was done) 81k, my second 1er has turbos that pull like a champ at 74k but I can hear a rattle so they will likely be replaced before the warranty expires. Just make sure the 135i that you get has 1) either already had the turbos replaced or 2) There is still some time for you to get them replaced before the extended warranty expires

This scares me.... My car has performed great since I've purchased pulls strong every time. I'm not super hard on my car, but the turbos have not been replaced and we are nearing the end of the warranty time it was like 8yrs / 84k, I won't be hitting the mileage anytime soon but the 8 years is right around the corner and I can't just walk into the dealership and request new turbos unless there is a problem.

[MZWIE]

Please do a search...this topic has been beaten to death

[ShocknAwe]

Approaching 74k on my original N54 twins. Still pull like a stabbed rat and been tuned just about their entire lives so far. Recently developed a little rattle, but for now that's only attributed to the JB4 wastegate control algorithm. Hopefully I'll be able to get them replaced before they go out of warranty.

I'd say they've been pretty damned reliable.

[dm874]

Originally Posted by Cmoney135i

This scares me.... My car has performed great since I've purchased pulls strong every time. I'm not super hard on my car, but the turbos have not been replaced and we are nearing the end of the warranty time it was like 8yrs / 84k, I won't be hitting the mileage anytime soon but the 8 years is right around the corner and I can't just walk into the dealership and request new turbos unless there is a problem.

As long as your car is stock I would take it to the dealer and have them check out your car's turbo's. The diagnostic fee is like $125. I rather pay that diagnostic fee than the 5-8k in changing the turbos myself later.

[VRG_135]

I think you can safely say you are safe with the N55, but you would need to get a N54 evaluated, they have had far more problems.

[mackeroni]

I drive my N55 135i three or four days each week. I drive it briskly and it has been flawlessly reliable. Why? I attribute longevity in most cars to just a few important factors...

1. Never drive it hard or lug the engine when cold.
2. Never bang it up against redline.
3. Use the specified oil and change it regularly.
4. Use high quality gasoline.

[dm874]

Originally Posted by VRG_135

I think you can safely say you are safe with the N55, but you would need to get a N54 evaluated, they have had far more problems.

+1

n55 more reliable than n54.

[SHKDOWN]

Originally Posted by e34m5

Please do a search...this topic has been beaten to death

Point taken, e34m5. But, there is no better metric than "performance over time". An owner who replied to a thread about his/her turbo performance after 2 years of ownership may respond completely differently after 4/5 years.

I think that posts, especially by original owners, on topics like this can be very valuable to prospective buyers of previously owned vehicles.

PS - Thanks to all who've offered their personal perspective/experience on the topic.