How many hours to replace turbo?

Gizm0 · 03-18-2014, 06:15 PM

Hello guys, I have a stuck wastegate on my rear turbo and I'm going to attempt to replace the turbo myself. I have a lift and overhead crane and air tools. Those of you who have done it yourself, how many hours did it take you?

MilehighM3 · 03-18-2014, 06:36 PM

First set, about 10-11 hours. Currently about 5

Gizm0 · 03-18-2014, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilehighM3

First set, about 10-11 hours. Currently about 5

With car on jack stands or on a lift?

135Pats · 03-18-2014, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizm0

With car on jack stands or on a lift?

10 hours for a turbo swap on your back (jacks) would be pretty legendary. Doable, but legendary.

Gizm0 · 03-18-2014, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135Pats

10 hours for a turbo swap on your back (jacks) would be pretty legendary. Doable, but legendary.

Some guy on n54tech forum did it on jacks in two days http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15959

Question: Has anyone employed this method to support the engine while the engine mount is removed? Put the tow hook in the slot behind the oil filter housing, and use a ratchet strap as depicted below...

Gizm0 · 03-18-2014, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilehighM3

First set, about 10-11 hours. Currently about 5

One more question, when you remove the turbos, do you disconnect the coolant and oil lines from the turbos directly then pull the turbo out of the car with no lines connected to it, or do you leave all the lines connected to the turbo, and disconnect them from the other end, then drop the turbo with all the coolant and oil lines attached to it?

I'm trying to process all the steps in my head first so I know what to do the day I decide to do the work, and not waste any time.

Brule · 03-19-2014, 05:09 AM

20+ hours on floor jacks for just the removal.
Disconnect everything you can.

Gizm0 · 03-19-2014, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brule

20+ hours on floor jacks for just the removal.
Disconnect everything you can.

Over 20 hours just to remove them? What happened? Why did it take so long?

blaster3500 · 03-19-2014, 07:35 AM

I just removed mine and am waiting for mine to get rebuild. I have around 10 hours in removal but that is taking my time and taking pics and notes so I can make a how to. I will try to organize my notes and type up the removal steps for you. This is on jack stands

135Pats · 03-19-2014, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizm0

Over 20 hours just to remove them? What happened? Why did it take so long?

I believe @robc1976 did a DIY for turbo swaps. If it’s from him, it’s very likely an outstanding tutorial.

blaster3500 · 03-19-2014, 08:13 AM

Rob has a ton of great tips that I used but there is not a full how to for the job. It was not as bad as I thought. The worst part is getting the lines off the turbos. They are super tight and you have to pull straight out. Putting liquid wrench helps a good bit.

FRMTL2_335i · 03-19-2014, 08:45 AM

???? first time, 4 jack stands, in my driveway, 4hrs to remove (since i had no idea how to), 5hrs to install taking my sweet ass time and refilling all the fluids.

FRMTL2_335i · 03-19-2014, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaster3500

Rob has a ton of great tips that I used but there is not a full how to for the job. It was not as bad as I thought. The worst part is getting the lines off the turbos. They are super tight and you have to pull straight out. Putting liquid wrench helps a good bit.

^^^ THIS

Gizm0 · 03-19-2014, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaster3500

Rob has a ton of great tips that I used but there is not a full how to for the job. It was not as bad as I thought. The worst part is getting the lines off the turbos. They are super tight and you have to pull straight out. Putting liquid wrench helps a good bit.

Link please?

Edit: nevermind I found it.

Is it absolutely necessary to remove the motor mount to get the job done?

blaster3500 · 03-19-2014, 12:52 PM

Yes but no need to drop the subframe. The motor mount takes maybe 15 min to remove. Remove the top nut, jack up engine, remove the 2 bolts to mount, pull out mount and then remove the bracket from the block. I will try to type up a write up for you on removal tonight.

robc1976 · 03-19-2014, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135Pats

10 hours for a turbo swap on your back (jacks) would be pretty legendary. Doable, but legendary.

I did it in less than 8 but taking it subframe is key. First time took me 2 days lol!

robc1976 · 03-19-2014, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaster3500

Yes but no need to drop the subframe. The motor mount takes maybe 15 min to remove. Remove the top nut, jack up engine, remove the 2 bolts to mount, pull out mount and then remove the bracket from the block. I will try to type up a write up for you on removal tonight.

Removing subframe makes job a lot easier and is very easy to drop subframe.

robc1976 · 03-19-2014, 01:24 PM

Here is my DIY/install thread. I did but remove subframe in the DIY...but would suggest it.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=769313

robc1976 · 03-19-2014, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizm0

Some guy on n54tech forum did it on jacks in two days http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15959

Question: Has anyone employed this method to support the engine while the engine mount is removed? Put the tow hook in the slot behind the oil filter housing, and use a ratchet strap as depicted below...

that is my pic, that is not supporting the motor there is a Jack under it....thus is just a way to move the motor left and right.

robc1976 · 03-19-2014, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135Pats

I believe @robc1976 did a DIY for turbo swaps. If it’s from him, it’s very likely an outstanding tutorial.

I appreciate that buddy

Gizm0 · 03-19-2014, 09:48 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I can't wait to see your write up blaster.

MilehighM3 · 03-19-2014, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizm0

With car on jack stands or on a lift?

Definitely on a lift.
As far as the replacement goes, I leave all of the lines in the block and remove them from the turbo. With a pry bar or long y shaped trim tool you can reach behind the turbos and get on the oil supply line. Lightly tap on it with your palm to remove the line and as someone else mentioned, a penetrating oil of some kind helps out greatly to free up the lines. Spray all of the fasteners holding the turbos to the head as well with penetrating oil and most of the nuts should come off leaving the studs in place. I also leave the turbo inlet pipes, fan and subframe in place. Just gently pry the turbos out from the studs at top and pull outward from the middle of the engine to allow the front wastegate actuator to clear the webbing on the block. The turbos will roll out of the inlet pipes nicely, just be nice and easy as well as patient. The rear one should come out first and be installed last to maximize working space. Definitely pull the engine mount and bracket out as this will make removal of the water pump and thermostat much easier. I pull the steering rack out of the subframe also and remove the heat shield above it to allow easy access to the downpipes and the water pump/t stat. No need to remove the subframe or even the lines or tie rods from the rack, just the mounting bolts. Pulling it forward out of the subframe makes for a ton of extra access and is very easy to do. This applies to the i models only, not the x drive 3 series, that's a totally different setup.
Any others questions, feel free to ask. I've done a lot of turbo replacements and I am very familiar with the job.
Enjoy!

03-18-2014, 06:15 PM	#1
Gizm0 Colonel 426 Rep 2,136 Posts Drives: 08 e92 335i 6mt Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	How many hours to replace turbo? Hello guys, I have a stuck wastegate on my rear turbo and I'm going to attempt to replace the turbo myself. I have a lift and overhead crane and air tools. Those of you who have done it yourself, how many hours did it take you? __________________ JB4 G5 w/ Backend flash - Walbro 450lpfp - VRSF DPs - VRSF 5" stepped IC - DCI - ER CP w/ Tial BOV - 335is clutch
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03-18-2014, 06:36 PM	#2
MilehighM3 Brigadier General 914 Rep 3,456 Posts Drives: Harrop E90 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Colorado Springs iTrader: (14) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 [6.50]	First set, about 10-11 hours. Currently about 5
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03-19-2014, 05:09 AM	#7
Brule Brigadier General 827 Rep 3,189 Posts Drives: 2007 335i e92 6spd man Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Darwin iTrader: (0)	20+ hours on floor jacks for just the removal. Disconnect everything you can.
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03-19-2014, 07:35 AM	#9
blaster3500 Lieutenant 143 Rep 567 Posts Drives: 07 E90 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Seneca, SC iTrader: (7)	I just removed mine and am waiting for mine to get rebuild. I have around 10 hours in removal but that is taking my time and taking pics and notes so I can make a how to. I will try to organize my notes and type up the removal steps for you. This is on jack stands __________________ 07 335 6MT
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03-19-2014, 08:13 AM	#11
blaster3500 Lieutenant 143 Rep 567 Posts Drives: 07 E90 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Seneca, SC iTrader: (7)	Rob has a ton of great tips that I used but there is not a full how to for the job. It was not as bad as I thought. The worst part is getting the lines off the turbos. They are super tight and you have to pull straight out. Putting liquid wrench helps a good bit. __________________ 07 335 6MT
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-19-2014, 08:45 AM	#12
FRMTL2_335i Major 76 Rep 1,071 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: ohio iTrader: (1)	???? first time, 4 jack stands, in my driveway, 4hrs to remove (since i had no idea how to), 5hrs to install taking my sweet ass time and refilling all the fluids. __________________ FFTEC 6466 Gen2, MHD Flash Tuned by Wedge, BMS PI Kit, FUEL-IT Stg 3 pump, HALTECH PS-1000, MFactory LSD w/lock down brace, ECS Trailing Arms, M3 control arms, M3 brace, DGR Coilovers, N20 tmap sensor, BMS OCC, VRSF exhaust w/4" tips, VRSF CP, Tial BOV. BigTom FMIC, Msport front & rear, m3 sides skirts.
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03-19-2014, 12:52 PM	#15
blaster3500 Lieutenant 143 Rep 567 Posts Drives: 07 E90 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Seneca, SC iTrader: (7)	Yes but no need to drop the subframe. The motor mount takes maybe 15 min to remove. Remove the top nut, jack up engine, remove the 2 bolts to mount, pull out mount and then remove the bracket from the block. I will try to type up a write up for you on removal tonight. __________________ 07 335 6MT
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03-19-2014, 01:24 PM	#18
robc1976 DIYER 614 Rep 5,521 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Illinois iTrader: (14)	Here is my DIY/install thread. I did but remove subframe in the DIY...but would suggest it. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=769313 __________________ JB4 G5, Stage 3 LPFP, Stage 2 MOTIV PI, VM 6466 ST, Custom OCC W/ SS lines, ER FMIC, ER CP W/HKS BOV, M3 control arms, M3 guide rods, M3 upper links, M3 front & rear sway-bars, HPA rear toe arms, Wavetrac LSD, HPF Gen 2, DEFIV kit, KW clubsport, Delrin solid SF bushings, stoptech rotors, Rogue Tranny Mounts, 1M bumper, M3 CF hood, M3 fenders, M3 OEM sideskirts, Mtech rear bumper, CSL trunk, MORR VS8.2 rims 245/295
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03-19-2014, 09:48 PM	#21
Gizm0 Colonel 426 Rep 2,136 Posts Drives: 08 e92 335i 6mt Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	Thanks for all the responses. I can't wait to see your write up blaster.
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