Can you inspect wastegates in situ?

idrivea911 · 03-30-2021, 09:42 AM

Hi all, I'm considering buying a used 135i, probably an N54 just based on availability. Coming from the Subaru world I don't have much experience with BMW packaging. As I run through the list of issues, chattering wastegates come up a lot. Youtube videos (with the turbos already out) show that you can rattle the wastegate shaft and tell that it's not moving directly with its clevis.

So, if I go test drive a car, is there room from above or below to get my hand near the wastegate clevis and give it a wiggle? Or is there 20hrs of disassembly involved before you can lay a finger on them?

Thanks! The car I'm looking at is out of the extended warranty period (2008/110k mi), so I'm just doing a bit of diligence.

Petro135 · 03-30-2021, 11:56 AM

You see in the pic. This is an upgraded turbo but its in the oem housing. To get to them to inspect you might as well be installing new turbos, inlets and outlets at the same time. Just drive it and listen for the rattle. And the injectors on these cars are loud and often times people think its wastegate rattle. Check a youtube video for what it sounds like

NorthernDancer · 03-30-2021, 04:31 PM

Good maintenance records are a huge plus and I likely wouldn't buy a 135 without them. Additionally Conn. chapter is HQ'ed in Hartford and they have a Tech Advisor who might clue you into someone who knows/drivers a 135.
https://www.ctvalley.org/contact/

03-30-2021, 09:42 AM	#1
idrivea911 New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 09 E82 6MT Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Hartford, CT iTrader: (0)	Can you inspect wastegates in situ? Hi all, I'm considering buying a used 135i, probably an N54 just based on availability. Coming from the Subaru world I don't have much experience with BMW packaging. As I run through the list of issues, chattering wastegates come up a lot. Youtube videos (with the turbos already out) show that you can rattle the wastegate shaft and tell that it's not moving directly with its clevis. So, if I go test drive a car, is there room from above or below to get my hand near the wastegate clevis and give it a wiggle? Or is there 20hrs of disassembly involved before you can lay a finger on them? Thanks! The car I'm looking at is out of the extended warranty period (2008/110k mi), so I'm just doing a bit of diligence.
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03-30-2021, 11:56 AM	#2
Petro135 Captain 453 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2008 135i E88 Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: South jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [0.00]	You see in the pic. This is an upgraded turbo but its in the oem housing. To get to them to inspect you might as well be installing new turbos, inlets and outlets at the same time. Just drive it and listen for the rattle. And the injectors on these cars are loud and often times people think its wastegate rattle. Check a youtube video for what it sounds like Attached Images
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03-30-2021, 04:31 PM	#3
NorthernDancer Colonel 850 Rep 2,276 Posts Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa On Canada iTrader: (3)	Good maintenance records are a huge plus and I likely wouldn't buy a 135 without them. Additionally Conn. chapter is HQ'ed in Hartford and they have a Tech Advisor who might clue you into someone who knows/drivers a 135. https://www.ctvalley.org/contact/
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