320d turbo reconditioning

[timwatsham]

We just picked up our new 320d touring (2003) today, which so far seems great. Its high mileage, like all my cars have been, but I'm aware that 320d engines have a reputation for eating their turbos - is there anything I can do to pre-empt it?

Thinking along the lines of replacing parts of the turbo that are weak and wear out, or even is there a replacement larger, more "fun" turbo I could plug in and get re-mapped at the same time?

Be interesting to hear any ideas?

[sniff diesel]

The only precautionary work you can do to help the turbo last longer is regular oil changes and letting it warm up and cool down properly. I reckon that if it hasn't failed before 100k then chances are you'll be alright.

[timwatsham]

Car's on 147k at the moment... My 530d was still going stong at 157k, but I've always been worried that the 320d is a little more fragile...

[NickXX]

I think the later 2003 320d turbos were better than the earlier ones for reliability, I wouldn't worry too much about it - as mentioned above, frequent servicing and letting it cool down properly is the best way of looking after it.

I'm running a 2002 330d on 135k with no issues so far.