1999 530d blown turbo advice

[andrewturner]

Hi everyone,

I've got an opportunity to buy a 1999 530d auto with a blown turbo for a song - as i understand it, its just the turbo thats died - it still drives but with lots of black smoke through the exhaust.

I'm tempted to buy it as a daily hack, however, trying to weigh up if its worth buying it and repairing it, or just buying one that runs already... (its cheap enough - to even make a profit at the end if its not too expensive to repair)

Does anyone know how difficult / expensive it is to buy a new turbo and get it fitted (would be happy with second hand turbo saying that).

Thanks everyone in advance
Andrew

[dxb335d]

How much cheaper is it though?

[andrewturner]

dunno yet - but seing as they go for £4k ish - quite a lot cheaper than that... maybe £1000-1500

[dxb335d]

its really got to be under half trader value really i feel for it to be worth while for you. You really dont know if it will need injectors also at some point, mileage must be high!

[Slippydiff]

I run an E46 330D, I've been told by a BMW technician that the turbo replacement in itself is not too much of awkward job. However on higher mileage cars the studs/bolts holding the manifold/s to the head can shear off. This then requires the head be removed with all the attendant costs (gasket sets, broken stud removal) etc.
Thus a fairly straight forward job can turn into a £2K (plus) open wallet surgery session.

[andrewturner]

OK - great, this is the advice I was looking for.

the mileage is circa 140k.

anyone know what the trade price is?

[eowen]

If it's chucking out black smoke - the failed turbo could have caused more problems....

As above, that could cost well over £2k to sort - so I wouldnt be buying that car for anything over £1k tops...

Try to get a mechanic to look at it before buying...

1999 530d's are anything from £2999 (170k) to about £6k for 60-70k.

Having said that - you could spend more on another and the turbo could go a week later!

1999 BMW 530D SE Auto/Tip, 1999,

85000 Miles, Boston green, diesel, very clean luxury car thats driving as tight as the day it was new, must be seen and driven, PX welcome. £4,450. www.jhairmotors.co.uk

Trade Seller:
Jonathan Hair

Contact number: 07799 718998

[Mustard]

andrewturner said:

dunno yet - but seing as they go for £4k ish - quite a lot cheaper than that... maybe £1000-1500

buy it.. you could break it for that in worst scenaro situation