[theratchet]

I recently purchased (bought it on 3/31) a 2008 335i with 44k miles; last week the check engine light came on a couple of times after passing 4500 RPMs under load.

The light would always turn off after restarting the vehicle.

Since this car is still under BMW's original warranty (or so I thought); I took it to the local dealer to have them look at it. The initial report was the turbos were failing and out of sync; the dealer said good news this is covered under your warranty and will not cost you anything. By the time I got to the dealer to get the loaner car... they had started taking it apart and found that someone had installed an aftermarket piggyback ECU; that was modifying the boost. This mod voids the warranty. I had no idea when I bought the car used from a typical used car lot.

So BMW is telling my the turbos need to replaced and that it is $4500.

Anyone know of a good reputable independent BMW shop in the Denver CO Metro area? If the turbos need replacing I'm looking for a good shop that may be able to do it cheaper than the dealer. Any other advice here?

[Bleep]

Wow every 335 is modified these days. I would contact the car lot and make them pay since he didn't disclose this information to you.

[oshusttoley]

Originally Posted by Bleep

Wow every 335 is modified these days. I would contact the previous owner and make him pay since he didn't disclose this information to you.

mien still stock

[username604]

damn!
that seems like a good price considering people were saying that it was a $6k to $8k job a couple years ago.
maybe go aftermarket turbo for that price.


the car is less than a month old, if you bought it at a dealer or some kind, show up pissed and tell them to take the car back because the turbos are shot and because the warranty is voided.

[techwhiz]

Back to where you bought it. Damn.
Also BMW has to prove the tune caused the failure.
Just having a tune under federal law cannot void the warranty if the tune did not cause the failure.

You can also take them to small claims court.

Another reason why CPO matters.

[E90Company]

Damn, that sucks.

[cvc 22349a]

$4500. installed is a good price.

[richpike]

A. That sucks - I'd definitely go back to the place you bought it from.

B. If the dealer won't take care of you, give Chris at AR Design a call. I've never used them, but most folks in the Front Range have and have very good things to say about them.

Chris
www.ardesign.info
chris@ardesign.info| (303) 351-3515 ext. 1002
Hours : Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm (MST)

Good luck.
Rich

[onebadmofo]

Do you have lemon law in your state?

[holmes011]

if mine are gonna go i hope its soon but at that price, go for the vishnu single turbo and their tune...600hp sounds good to me ahhah

[Coolieman1220]

i was talking to my Service Advisor about tunes and stuff with the N54/55 motors and he had a good point. These cars will have a shitty resale value because so many have been tuned and have problems that no ones going to want one. They are great cars yes but because people tune them and it messes everything up, many cars will have issues on the used car lot....

[mundo74]

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

$4500. installed is a good price.

Really? The turbos cost 650 a piece from tischer. So basically $3000 for install. I would pay no more than say $1000 for installation.

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by mundo74

Really? The turbos cost 650 a piece from tischer. So basically $3000 for install. I would pay no more than say $1000 for installation.

Out of curiosity I got an estimate of $5200 a couple months ago from my local dealer. They said approx 3 days for install. If you can get it done for less than $2500, great..

[mundo74]

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

Out of curiosity I got an estimate of $5200 a couple months ago from my local dealer. They said approx 3 days for install. If you can get it done for less than $2500, great..

What! These prices sure makes the argument to continue leasing these cars. I understand most people are not mech inclined or like me would rather not bust up my knuckles but I could pace myself for 3 days with lots of beer to do this job and put the $4k i save in my kids college fund or take a vacation to heal my knuckles

[mundo74]

Is there a DIY for replacing turbos?

[mike-y]

Originally Posted by mundo74

Is there a DIY for replacing turbos?

Not sure but it's covered in the Bentley manual I have. Section 180-6 "Exhaust Manifolds and Turbochargers"

Might not be a bad idea to buy a manual and some friends with an inkling of mechanical knowledge to help out over pizza and beer.

[theratchet]

Originally Posted by onebadmofo

Do you have lemon law in your state?

This is what I dug up on CO's lemon law (or lack there of on used cars). The dealer I bought it from offered a warranty, but I declined; thinking the BMW warranty was still valid for a bit and I didn't know it was tuned (I don't think they did either).

Lemon Law for Used Cars in Colorado

Colorado's Lemon Law does not cover used vehicles, and vehicles are usually sold "as is." However, there are several other types of laws that can be used to help you in the event you discover that you've bought a used car lemon. First, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has what's called the Used Car Rule that requires dealers to provide consumers with a Buyer's Guide with warranty and other types of information. If the dealer has in any way failed to abide by the FTC Used Car Rule, you may have the basis for a legal claim.

Second, each state has what are called Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP) laws. If the dealer has, for example, made verbal promises or didn't tell you about issues relating to your used car, you may have a cause of action. Third, Colorado's version of the Uniform Commercial Code may provide you with relief. Finally, the Truth in Lending Act and the Federal Odometer Act might also be valuable in obtaining lemon justice.

[Bleep]

Replacing the turbos takes a lot of hours

[theratchet]

Originally Posted by richpike

A. That sucks - I'd definitely go back to the place you bought it from.

B. If the dealer won't take care of you, give Chris at AR Design a call. I've never used them, but most folks in the Front Range have and have very good things to say about them.

Chris
www.ardesign.info
chris@ardesign.info| (303) 351-3515 ext. 1002
Hours : Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm (MST)

Good luck.
Rich

Thanks for the tip on AR; I'll reach out to Chris.

[theratchet]

Lots of comments on the quote I got; the SA broke it out as: 2 turbos ~ $1800; Labor ~$2200. I had another squawk in there that was $125; so add it up and add in taxes and fees; just over $4500.

Does it surprise anyone that the dealer I bought the car from won't call me back? I haven't even told anyone why I was calling; just that I want to talk to the owner that negotiated the price with me.

[16M4]

Do it yourself. Nothing is too hard to do.

[idrift4wd]

IMO, Just do a single turbo/ Upgraded twins while your at it. you might be spending the same amount of money doing oem parts.