Hello all,

So I'm driving home tonight, sport mode on and as I'm getting on the freeway I floor it to merge. I hear a boom, which I thought might be a blown tire, no warning lights... Then it seems to correct itself, but I believe I notice a loss of acceleration. I'm thinking the turbo blew. Still no warning lights, but a perceived loss of power. The car seems to be good otherwise. Any thoughts? I also thought I smelled something strange... Any input would be great!

 

Any reason you think it's the turbo other than the noise? Any evidence of oil leakage from the area of the banjo bolt? Any other areas? Any whining noise coming from the turbo?

If the turbo went, the engine would subsequently be naturally aspirated, you'd have a distinct and noticeable loss of power that wouldn't naturally return.

What's the age and mileage of the car?

 

The car is a '07 with about 41k miles. I believe it's the turbo
As the power band seemed to disappear. (as it was
In sport mode). The car seems
To rum fine, but as if it was still in regular mode. I haven't noticed any leakage, but will need to look tomorrow am. I'm mostly concerned if the car is safe to drive if the turbo blew. Plus, what's the approx cost of replacing?

 

Could it be ic pipe or bracket that slipped off?

 

If the turbo really "blew", and the fins came off the impeller, then the engine has already most likely ingested some of them. Which is not good for your valves, the cylinder head, the pistons, or the cylinder walls. It is possible that the debris got stuck in the intercooler, in which case there is a possibility that driving the car more will suck the debris into the engine. Which you don't want.

I wouldn't drive it more than I had to.

 

I don't think it's your turbo. You'd know if it went.

They are actually not mechanically complex devices - just a turbine with a compressor on one end. However, they are precision-made. If it blew, you'd know it, trust me. First sign would be oil leakage and major loss of engine power that would not come and go. Oil starvation to the turbo would also produce horrid screeching as the bearing self-destructed.

I think the MC S models use the Garrett unit (which is the same unit installed on the diesel engined coopers). I have a Clubman D and the internal seal went on mine - result was leakage of raw exhaust and fouling of the engine bay. It was replaced under goodwill by BMW/Mini, but I received the invoice. A new Garrett unit alone is €1600. Labour to replace at a dealership in the range of €650. Small parts and rubber seals approximately €50.

You are lookint at a total of about €2300 all together for a new unit installed by an authorized dealer.