Hey all!

2010 Mini Cooper S! Been running good until about a week ago and I noticed a highpitch noise when spooling up?

Looked at the turbo and noticed an exhaust type soot on top of the turbo. Do I have an exhaust leak on the turbo? Is it possible to have an exhaust leak on top of the turbo?

What do ya'll think?

 

Same boat here on my r56. I did pull the heat shield and found soot all around the clamp between the turbine and compressor housings.

However, a few inches to the left appears to be a failed downpipe gasket which from what I read is common on these. So maybe the soot flows right over the hot turbine housing and sticks to the relatively cooler compressor???
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Yessir, I replaced the downpipe gasket and it seems to be better :D I also replaced my turbo as well

 

I replaced mine as well; a week ago, so far so good. I'm glad to be able to drive with my windows or sunroof open without getting gassed.

There may have been some 4 letter words uttered when trying to reinstall a couple of the bolts in the lower edge of the heat shield.