[dannyjones]

Hi all,

Seriously getting annoyed with the reliability of this car...
Just set off after a short stop at supermarket. Engine and oil up to temperature. Floored it as I like to do now and again to enjoy the car. Got the Kick down, then a pop noise and very low power. Took it straight to Napa to ask to read codes. Drives at low rpm but no power as rpms increase. Also stalled for the first time ever when I stopped at Napa.
Did I blow the turbo?
No warnings or lights or anything.

335i 2011. N55 I think.

Waiting in queue in napa now.

Any advice appreciated.

[Sambonjo]

Charge pipe blown off?

[dannyjones]

Found this that sounds similar. Hope it's something simple as they seem to say: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641350

[dannyjones]

Thanks sambonjo, sounds like it could be. Hope it's safe to drive home, then I'll do some more research

[mg4734]

Second the charge pipe comment, that was exactly how mine broke. Although i'm surprised you don't have any codes or warnings, as my car had 4 when that happened (relating to a leak in the intake, meaning charge pipe broke).

[Sambonjo]

I haven't had my charge pipe break yet but I would also expect some codes or warning lights. I had a light boost leak once and got the half engine light and reduced power.

[dannyjones]

I got a full yellow/amber service engine soon light when I started it up again. Napa didn't read codes so will probably have to wait until tomorrow morning for that

[dannyjones]

Will I be able to see the damage and any chance it's a DIY? Or just get it to a shop? What's the likely damage to my wallet? (Miami)

[Sambonjo]

The charge pipe is pretty easy to uninstall and reinstall. There are DIYs in the DIY section. If that is the problem you can take the whole pipe off and check for cracks. If it's busted, I think $200 plus shipping gets you a new one. But you probably won't be able to drive the car until you install the new one. I doubt a non bmw shop will have the parts in stock (you never know) so if the charge pipe is the problem, just order a new one yourself.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Ahhhh the ol' popping charge pipe gag. Are you tuned?

[dannyjones]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

Ahhhh the ol' popping charge pipe gag. Are you tuned?

Nope, no tune. Stock as far as I'm aware (unless something was done before I bought it 2nd hand, but I really doubt it). I'm at roughly 66k miles.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by dannyjones

Nope, no tune. Stock as far as I'm aware (unless something was done before I bought it 2nd hand, but I really doubt it). I'm at roughly 66k miles.

Oh man that is super rare for a stock N55 to have a blown charge pipe, but I suppose anything is possible. I hope you get it sorted man!!

[crzylildude]

You just POP the cherry!!!

[dannyjones]

Looks like you guys are right:


Will phone some places for quotes tomorrow. Would you recommend towing or trying to drive it slowly to the garage?

Thanks for the help everyone

[Douche]

Originally Posted by dannyjones

Looks like you guys are right:

Strap it back on dude. It seems fine, the brace came loose. Put on a new strap and call it a day.

[Douche]

Originally Posted by Douche

Strap it back on dude. It seems fine, the brace came loose. Put on a new strap and call it a day.

I mean, until the new one arrives. Don't put much load in the engine while driving like this, cause the strap locking lip has broken off, so the likelihood of it coming loose again is higher now.

But you should be fine for the time being. You may want to consider using a metal tube now. But you'll still need a silicone connection to the throttle body.

Pay no one for anything. Do everything yourself.

[dannyjones]

Originally Posted by Douche

Strap it back on dude. It seems fine, the brace came loose. Put on a new strap and call it a day.

Is part of it not cracked there where it fits over? About half way down the pipe end in the photo? Will have a look what straps are needed and try that. I guess this needs to be very tight to avoid it happening again.

EDIT: Thanks - didn't see your second reply at first. Will have a look at doing that temporarily and look for the replacement part and DIYs to replace it. Cheers!

[ArcticRik]

Get an aftermarket one, it will be much better

[weehe126]

You can push it back on but the second you build boost it will pop off. You unfortunately lost the clip that holds it on the TB. I highly suggest an aftermarket pipe, however they do not provide a new clip. I belive there is on company that has the option to use a silicone couple and clamps. If you want stock clip you have to buy a new OEM charge pipe and then the aftermarket one. Unless you can find the clip in the bay.

[dannyjones]

Originally Posted by weehe126

You can push it back on but the second you build boost it will pop off. You unfortunately lost the clip that holds it on the TB. I highly suggest an aftermarket pipe, however they do not provide a new clip. I belive there is on company that has the option to use a silicone couple and clamps. If you want stock clip you have to buy a new OEM charge pipe and then the aftermarket one. Unless you can find the clip in the bay.

I pushed it back on and let it idle but its stuttering like mad and almost stalling, without it popping back off. I'm hoping its just a loss of pressure causing that and not something else damaged, and that it will be fine once strapped/clipped.

Definitely don't want to spend money on two charge pipes just for a simple strap/clip... :/ Is it not just a basic screwing metal strap like on the other end? Was going to have a look in Home Depot for something, just for a temporary fix as Douche advised.

Will have a look on EBay anyway to see if I can find a proper clip.

[weehe126]

It is a C clip. You can see the slot on the pipe and the TB where it slides in. You can't just clamp it back on. I also doubt Douches "fix" will work. Not sure how much you plan to be driving it, but at most would be drive it home and wait till you get a new one.

[FL335]

How has someone NOT made an aftermarket C clip? You need a new, beefier CP. Don't waste your $$ on an em unless you really need the C Clip.....