RB TURBOs: SMOKER vs NON-SMOKER

[135i2]

It's about time we got some numbers and perspective on the level of RB turbo failure, for want of a better word, here in OZ.

Not concerned with generation or RB model.


Please add your name or avartar to the list below with km failure. PM me if you dont want to post.

RB Smoker:

1. 135i2 - 135i (2500km)
2. Name withheld - 135i (3000km 2011-12)
3. Martymil - 135i (2000km)
4. Forced_downunder - (2500km 2014)
5. DAT335 - (1000km - 2015)
6. froop - (3000km 2014)
7. CashedUpBogun - (2000km 2015)
8. Anonymous1 335 - Syd less than 3000km
9. Anonymous2 335 - Melb less than 3000km
10. Name TBC 335i in WA - less than 5000km
11. _ink - (1000kms?)
12. Name TBC 335i in WA - (less than 5000km for the second time)
13.
14.
15.

RB Non Smoker:

1. Brule - (5000km 2013)
2. Coupes33 - (16,000km Purchased 2012 & installed 2014)
3. _ink - (5000kms 2015)
4.
5.
6
7.
8.
9.
10.

[Forced_downunder]

I'm part of the not so unique smoking RB's. Mine were bolted on in December 2014 and were pouring smoke by September 2015. Around 2500kms on them.

Edit: 135i (M)

[Brule]

Non smoker but made in 2013 about 5000km 20psi

[froop]

Installed June 2014. Probably started smoking badly within less than 3,000kms. They're still going though. They just smoke.

[DR-JEKL]

I know of two 335i's that aren't on that list that smoked within the 1st few months also.

If the owners don't pipe up, maybe add them to the list as anonymous?

[135i2]

Originally Posted by Brule

Non smoker but made in 2013 about 5000km 20psi

So you have swapped out to Stealth's for more hp. Smart as it seems that turning the boost up, in my case, finished them. At 320-370rwkw I had no smoking issues but as soon as I went over 400 they smoked very quickly and is getting worse each time I drive it.

Originally Posted by froop

Installed June 2014. Probably started smoking badly within less than 3,000kms. They're still going though. They just smoke.

With the smoke and corresponding end float in the turbo wheel mine have fallen off their efficiency from the highest power run. Car has been detuned to the 400-410 range with low timing and rich AFRs. Still goes like a train but can’t put up within that until it goes bang one day.

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

I know of two 335i's that aren't on that list that smoked within the 1st few months also.

If the owners don't pipe up, maybe add them to the list as anonymous?

Yes, there are a few who haven't put their hands up yet. Happy to add as name withheld.

Purpose of this thread is to shine the light on a poor situation that potential purchasers should be informed of. It's been well spoken of in the USA as we should here.


However, when the turbo's are failing, someone is making money off others misfortune and hard earned. Perhaps built-in obsolescence.

[Brule]

It's bad to see so many having smoking issues so soon.

I wonder what is failing.

I originally thought it was one batch of 30-50 units but these dates are in all years.

[DR-JEKL]

RB then acts as a savior and 'rebuilds' them at a cheap rate albeit his rebuilt items have also failed (classics - not stealths or next gens)

Then the owners have two lumps of useless junk the best thing they can do to recuperate their hard earn is to you guessed it send them back to him once again and get them converted to stealths etc putting more $ into his pocket...

Hexon or someone need to offer a failed RB turbo rebuilding service

[titium]

the fact that he's labeled the new offerings as 'next gens' to clearly distinguish them from the old ones in itself is saying something...

hopefully I don't need new turbos in my car's lifetime but if i do it would take alot of convincing to get me to choose any RB offering.

[martymil]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

RB then acts as a savior and 'rebuilds' them at a cheap rate albeit his rebuilt items have also failed (classics - not stealths or next gens)

Then the owners have two lumps of useless junk the best thing they can do to recuperate their hard earn is to you guessed it send them back to him once again and get them converted to stealths etc putting more $ into his pocket...

Hexon or someone need to offer a failed RB turbo rebuilding service

He rebuilds the classics with next gen cartridges as he upgraded mine to include thrust bearing and high heat turbine shield upgrade or something like that

My turbos are relatively new but done 2500km and still going.

Lets hope they stay that way.

[JD75]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

RB then acts as a savior and 'rebuilds' them at a cheap rate albeit his rebuilt items have also failed (classics - not stealths or next gens)

Then the owners have two lumps of useless junk the best thing they can do to recuperate their hard earn is to you guessed it send them back to him once again and get them converted to stealths etc putting more $ into his pocket...

Hexon or someone need to offer a failed RB turbo rebuilding service

Hexon indeed do...

[JD75]

Originally Posted by martymil

He rebuilds the classics with next gen cartridges as he upgraded mine to include thrust bearing and high heat turbine shield upgrade or something like that

My turbos are relatively new but done 2500km and still going.

Lets hope they stay that way.

Next-Gens by default include upgraded thrust components with a revised CHRA heat shield that is designed to protect the cartridge from the huge radiant temps produced by the turbine wheel.

Rob's "Classic" turbos had the option of upgraded thrusts for some time, but the CHRA heat shield revision is specific to the Next-Gens I believe.

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by martymil

He rebuilds the classics with next gen cartridges as he upgraded mine to include thrust bearing and high heat turbine shield upgrade or something like that

My turbos are relatively new but done 2500km and still going.

Lets hope they stay that way.

Marty I really hope they stay reliable for you also considering the $ it has cost you.

No doubt the RB's make good power though

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by JD75

Hexon indeed do...

Interesting

Any ideas on pricing specs etc?

[martymil]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

Marty I really hope they stay reliable for you also considering the $ it has cost you.

No doubt the RB's make good power though

I hope so, the power is barely usable at the power level I'm at now.

[135i2]

Thinks its time some of you who have had smokers come out! Fess up lads, it doesn't hurt a bit.

[martymil]

I fess up my new ones are going healthy and strong at 3k

[135i2]

Only a matter of time at 400+ rear wheel Marty.

It might interest the camper's to know that every set of RB's installed at Advan Performance have smoked.

Thats a 100% failure rate.

And where's Rob Beck in all this? To date he hasn't responded to my email.

Customer service and standing by your product....NOT.