Hello NAM

2012 JCW Mini Cooper. Purchased used @ 52K, 3K later a new turbo was installed by the dealer.
Now 50K later the turbo has failed again.

I am reading conflicting info about replacing the downpipe / refurbish service to restore flow through the catalytic converter.

Do I need to have the service performed, what have you guys done when replacing the turbo?
Something obviously caused it to fail, maybe excessive exhaust pressure. If I can get another 50K without doing the downpipe I would be okay with it as I will be selling the car most likely.

It's not just the money, it is the fact my buddy mechanic who will do the work can't have it sit at his place for days while the downpipe comes off is shipped and then returned.

Thanks!
T

 

Could be a clogged downpipe from oil blowing through. Maybe the oil lines were clogged. Maybe you didn't run enough oil that caused failure then a seal breakdowns and blows oil through. I always follow what Eric from JMTC in Arizona says about turbo care. Keep the oil topped off and time out the engine before turning off. Downpipes are super expensive. If you go catless then you can't sell it. If you replace the turbo you should replace the downpipe and the oil lines. Talk to JMTC. The dude is really on it with turbo care and replacement. He has youtube videos.

 

Go catless.

 

Go with just a new stock JCW turbo as it will be quick and easy install.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/jcw-tu...8-r59-r60.html

For the downpipe if you didn't have a failure that put oil into the downpipe it should be ok to reuse.