I Saved This Cheap F30 BMW! N20 Turbo DIY

[@MrKcatx]

Glad that turbo got put to some good use!

[@markburkey6371]

@@machtschnell7452 I think you meant to reply to the next comment...lol

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks again man 😀

[@coreytaylor8552]

D

[@Sequel7]

@@VehicularDIYwhere did you buy the service manual book for this?

[@Sequel7]

@@VehicularDIY DOES ANYONE KNOW THE TORQUE SPEC FOR THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS FOR THE TURBO? NOT THE NUTS

[@kevincalhoun7796]

So I just finished my turbo install and boy let me tell you!!! This kicked my ass but if it wasn’t for this video, I would’ve set this car on fire and watched it burn to the ground! Huge shoutout to you man! Big time! If you ever end up in South Florida, the first round is on me homie! 🤙🏽

[@austinsalt7705]

This is the best camera work I have seen on ANY repair video! Well done.

[@Streamlined955]

You sir, are a treasure to the BMW community. Nice job and great video.

[@CastroJordan]

I daily drive 100 miles in one of these and it’s perfect for that. I just have a sprinter booster set on max and an afe intake and it makes the car feel very peppy. Fwiw my engine is very quiet also and no ticking, everyone says it’s loud due to the gdi but I suspect they need shorter oci’s because I change my oil frequently and no ticking. Glad you are making content on one of these.

[@IKhanNot]

Yeah people are following the 10k or 15k mile oil changes then taking the car to a quick lube place thinking that the crap they use is going to last that long. In their mind oil is oil. I change my oil every 5k-6k despite the 10k oil change interval and the motor is happy.

[@davidfrank2824]

First off I did hit the like and describe a button. I started laughing when you were talking about the smoke coming up from the engine. I still remember the first time that happened to me. I turned my car off immediately and my father asked me what was wrong? I told him the engine was smoking after doing a complete tune-up and oil change. He told me to turn it back on and within a couple minutes it started again. I was getting ready to turn it off again and he was over there laughing and told me to leave it alone. You went through all the things that would cause it and it would stop after running for a little bit. So we jumped into the car and drove to go pick up dinner. And by the time we arrived there it was done smoking. Money came out with dinner he was laughing he told me he was watching me from the window. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@madbikeboysins]

The direct injection makes the N20 sound like a diesel a lot of the time. I often have car guys ask if there is something wrong with it - that's just the way it is since new. I have an F20 / N20, the only real modification is an oil catch can for the PCV.

[@dh1380]

Hah! Not only this but when the clip that moves the exhaust flap gets bent out of shape, the car rattles at both ends 🤣

[@Mike-og1qk]

Great content. I was just talking about maintenance with my brother between my E92/N54 and his F87. You have been my favorite BMW content provider for a while. Although we do not have this model, it is always enjoyable to watch you work and see what can be done at home.

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks!

[@rriis]

so, this is the second video i watched on replacing a turbo. i think it shows to me that I would rather pay someone to do the work. i got a quote from a shop that would do the labor for about $500, and the book shows it to be a 6 hour job. of course, the 6 hours is not running into any issues, not to mention they can put the vehicle on a lift and of course not run into any issues with tools, etc.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Nice! You make it look simple 👍🏻 Kudos to the turbo donor.

[@BmwAlex0621]

I dont even have an f30 and these videos are just so informative

[@kc2213]

If only it was this easy to replace the turbos on an N54….

[@Sporgan]

you say that like you dont love removing your subframe

[@VehicularDIY]

It's about 1/2 as easy on this car. Not any less complicated just less work needed to get to it and one less turbo.

[@lyfzgoodgarage826]

Really not that bad tbh I’ve done it on 2 n54 and 1 n55

[@karolismondeika6145]

Sux on N54

[@Nathan-gj8ch]

@@lyfzgoodgarage826 but I have xdrive...

[@DarthVaderOG]

Watching this gives me hope for whenever my turbo goes bad. It’s not bad of a job just need to have some patience and remember how everything goes.

[@bence.gabor.slezak]

I haven't slept in weeks I was so excited to see the engine. In the US it might not be quick but in Europe, a car with sub 6 seconds 0-60 is fast, and eu spec is 100kg lighter.

[@bence.gabor.slezak]

I wonder what that exhaust manifold looks like on the inside. Seems pretty simple on the outside and it makes good power.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah its no slouch, feels faster than my old 330i e46 6 speed was with full bolt on. The manifold looks the same inside as a N54.

[@bence.gabor.slezak]

@@VehicularDIY the zf 8 speed and peak torque from 1250 rpm makes it very good for street driving and it still makes around 170 ft-lb at redline, which would be a pretty good as peak torque for a naturally aspirated 2L engine.

[@covertorange9120]

While I don’t own any of the cars that you have on your channel (e90 m3) I always love the style of your videos and the work you do. Very satisfying!

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks!

[@paradeinberlin]

Seriously informative N20 content, keep it up !

[@jayjwin1178]

You made this all look so easy. you are at master level!

[@mobitechaz]

on the electronic waste gate controller (assuming you model has this), you may encounter a DTC for improper waste gate linkage swing. If so, there is a 10mm adjustment on the arm at the attachment to the controller that may need to be fine tuned. You will need a scan tool capable of setting the limits. If you don't have this, you'll need to adjust slowly and carefully in either direction. I was about 8/10th of a mm out of range and arm linkage required adjustment to clear out the DTC.

[@NGlitchesFTW]

I Have a 2014 n26, thinking about changing my turbo myself, 85k miles on it, just just did a diy valve cover gasket change myself and turned out to be complicated but worked lol, i think im ready to attempt this haha, thank you for this video!

[@jimmiedixon5648]

Can you please do my valve gasket change for me :)

[@Bimmer624]

Your content is always on fire bro 🔥it's like a trophy I always save till I get off work

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks!

[@firasalwakeel5365]

Waaaw. Removing a turbo without the subframe, what a huge difference between this and the e90. Great video as always. Maybe the next one, would be how to replace a cracked windshield 😄

[@Jack-sd5te]

post notifications, have been waiting for another f30 vid 🔥🔥

[@aggieE46]

Great work. I absolutely expected a Pure Turbo and catless downpipe. Great content as always.

[@VehicularDIY]

From what I've read these engines don't like too much power.

[@michaelv.1107]

@@VehicularDIY You're right. Most modern engines are already on the edge to increase efficiency and reduce emmisions. Many people use their cars just to go to the shops down the road. No warming up at all, no high output to clean carbon built up and boil away water and fuel from the oil. Therefore manufacturers try to heat up the engine afap but that thermal management is very specific adjusted on the nominal power. When you increase boost they may get hot spots and simply burn holes in the pistons or get bend cyl. heads. It's not like the "good ole" N54 where you easily add 50% power with minor changes and the only thing what blows is your mind... Sorry for the long post, no potato at hand.

[@joelmerimaa9169]

So I've finally gotten around to changing the turbo on my 320i. The reassembly is still in progress because the car is fighting me so much on every step! Probably doesn't help to have everything rusted because of the harsh winters, and the combination of xDrive & auto trans, working on the floor etc... You make it look so easy, magic of editing? 😂

[@jonjimenez5139]

Amazing diy as always man 2nd video of yours that helps me on fixing the car. Great work

[@IDontHaveAVideo]

Your videos are awesome. Keep up the good work. You’re inspiring me to get back into BMW ownership.

[@henryatkinson1479]

I guess between the N20's inherent rattle and that turbo sound its pretty easy to assume this thing was broken if someone didn't know what they were listening to.

[@jus10graves]

Yes it go away when hot

[@woonahk]

If I knew this before, I did not change turbo oil feed line and then replace turbo as well. I had a F25 N20, that had blueish smoke every morning. Then it has gone after serviced turbo oil feed line for free because it was serviced under recall program. Eventually, I had notorious 'drivetrain malfunction' error and that was because of bad turbocharger

[@VehicularDIY]

Seems like the wastegate lasts around 120K before it wears out.

[@alexhier5051]

Thanks bro. Need to change my coolant line orings to the turbo and install the new oil line with the check valve and this is just the video I need.

[@lifeofluke8620]

Do you have to remove the entire manifold?

[@miodragmaravic3324]

My wife is not happy I found this video😂😅 . Great video. Thank you very much

[@davejohnson6144]

Damn bro are you a mechanic by trade? You know so much !

[@VehicularDIY]

I work in IT hardware by trade but one of my first jobs was working as an apprentice at a shop part time.

[@omazdetailing4979]

Thanks so much for the info and the video. I just got an F30 328i X Drive and I am going to do the same project as you did and with your video man I know I will be able to get it done ✅ Thanks

[@igotaction]

What an amazing daily driver!!! Glad you saved it! Great video and great lighting!!!

[@VehicularDIY]

For perspective its has more torque down low then the G80. It's decent to drive. Thanks!

[@josephlucero8420]

Nice steal of a deal

[@aros007z]

Awesomeness

[@rickhoffman7656]

I love the F30 platform

[@adonismorales9363]

Awecome video! Absolutly a money saver. Quick question. I saw how you converted the electronic waste gate actuator to a pneumatic waste gate actuator. Would you be able to do the opposite? For example my 2013 f30 328i xdrive needs a new turbo. My f30 cmes with an electronic wastegate actuator. The turbo kit that I'm planning to get is setup for a f30 with pneumatic waste gate actuator. Would I be able to just take off the pneumatic actuator, and put in my stock electronic actuator? Or would I be better off just getting a tubro that comes with an electronic waste gate actuator? Thank you for reading this!

[@mohammadtaufek5529]

nice content. I have F30 2013 with N20 engine just change the original plastic Charge & Boost pipe to NFT Aluminium charge & boost pipe…. last friday felt something pop off & suddently lost power & got ‘drive terrain’ problem note on idrive. The charge pipe just pop open the connction to the throttle body. It lasted 10 years. My mechanic recommend me to change to aluminium …. he said the plastic charge & boost pipe doesnt give consistant boost …. & By charging it to aluminium will last a lifetime ….. now the acceleration is smoother…. my first mode since 2013…. In 2013, when I purchase the car I changed the exhaust to Msport … How long do turbo charge last ?? can turbo charge be serviced ??

[@larrymanaro3972]

great video,,, but you could of done a little more time on certain parts, removing them, i broke some of the parts due to you talked about it,, but didnt show how to remove them first,, i did totaly enjoyed your video, and no one has a good video of this N20 engine,,, thanks for your help,,, i enjoyed it truly...Larry

[@Nico_335i_DCT]

Wow, great job! It's really a good channel car! Thanks for sharing. Dutch regards, Nico.

[@1Donkeykong]

5:16 - me when I wake up at 3am and that water I drank before bed hits

[@tumbox9204]

Bro, thanks for this. Your videos are very well explained.

[@hangpilot1200]

How many miles did the car have? My wife wrecked our 2011 X3 w/ the N52. 190,000 miles and she had another 100,000 miles in her (the car) ;-) Just purchased a 2017 X3 w/ the N20 and 70,000 miles knowing there will be turbo work not too far down the line. I've had the inline 6 for almost a million miles w/ four vehicles. Hope I grow to 'appreciate' this four-popper!

[@georgeiulian92]

Amazing, best diy content from ytb! Respect from România, East Europe 💪

[@VehicularDIY]

Thank you!

[@splits_the_wtr622]

You did great on this video editing a1 continue on great content I don’t have this car but it’s interesting to learn something new

[@realestateeric]

I've been thinking about upgrading my wife's e90 328i for a F30 since you can find F30's pretty easily with turbo/engine problems cheap. I really haven't wrenched on my cars since my E30, but this didn't look too bad. Much more room then the E92 335i I had!

[@VehicularDIY]

I find it easy to work on. If you get one around 70k miles and do the turbo feed line and timing chain/guides it should be reliable relatively speaking.

[@rosodigital]

How long was this job? I just ordered a replacement turbo and parts to fix my car... Ill be posting on my channel DIYWITHRP! keep up the good work! one of the best no nonsense DIY channels on youtube!

[@CruddyPeak]

Now you just gotta load up E-Sys and code in the sport automatic trans!

[@abimmernut]

Thanks for the post. Another good DIY!

[@raeggienable3064]

Wow nice pick up man! 👍🏽

[@torygyberg8837]

Well that car is worth a lot more now!

[@jieddo1]

Yeah probably jumped up about $10k

[@miroslavblaskov1711]

How many miles on the car? Great video! I did the wastegate rattle repair and it helped me a lot! Thanks!

[@aruekca18det]

As always... Simply amazing content. Thank you!

[@eddy5933]

Can you drop a list of the tools needed to replace the turbo ? Thank you

[@ImranKhan-ej3fy]

Do you need to drain the coolant? Or can you top up after disconnecting the coolant feed line on the turbo? Also would I need to bleed the system after doing so?

[@adrianleblanc3389]

Great content as usual! Question though, have you ever considered one of those “quick jacks” for garage use? Or do you find jack stands is good enough for major jobs such as engine in turbo replacement where you partially drop subframe? I’m planning on doing my N54 turbos and I’ve seen you do work on them with just jack stands, how awful is it usually?

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! I find the 6 ton Jack's good enough for all jobs. A set of quickjacks would be a nice luxury to have but for anything I've needed to do the heavy Jack stands have been fine.

[@adrianleblanc3389]

@@VehicularDIY thanks! Can’t wait to see how the F30 turns out !!👍🏽

[@fernoratube]

Great video! Did you remove the engine mount bracket?

[@Kickbasser]

Great and clear video DIY! Is it possible to change the updated feed line without removing the turbo? How to know if my car has an updated version? Thanks

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks! Yeah it is, you can get to it from what I can see.

[@whydotufaqoff]

@@VehicularDIY no you definitely can’t change the updated oil pipe without removing the manifold... I have just done it thanks...

[@ArtursDerkintis]

If only there'd be more people who can do this when their car needs maintenance - instead of towing it straight to junkyard

[@iG4MERs]

Then the used car prices would be sky high like they are in germany😁

[@ArtursDerkintis]

@@iG4MERswell it’s not the worse thing - we should learn to be less of a consumers and more of a maintainers of the expensive things we already have.

[@CastroJordan]

I agree. I dd of these and have every intention of putting over 200k on it. I maintain it myself and everything is in great shape. I try to do everything preventively but if my turbo goes I will buy a new turbo.

[@iG4MERs]

@@ArtursDerkintis Ressourcefulness is a great trait indeed. I don't know enough about the life in America, but many great DIYers come from there. In Germany, most people buy used, because they can't afford new 😅 But, like in USA, cheap leasing is taking over. DIYers in Germany are mostly people who own a shop or very young people who like to drive cars, which were definitely over their budget when new.

[@ArtursDerkintis]

@@iG4MERs I moved to US as of recently and seems like most people can’t DIY anything anymore. Everything is consumption only. And when I manage to plug a tire and throw a backup camera for my wife’s F30 it is perceived as some magical trickery lol.

[@travisdoyle7997]

I appreciate this video! Just changed the turbo in mine following how you did it and definitely couldn’t have done it without you!

[@osagyefoghanaba]

Another intuitive video👌…thanks man👍

[@dfqnexxus3710]

As always your content it's absolutely amazing 👏

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks!

[@DupekCSS]

There is valve set on aliexpress. I just installed this on my F11 N20B20 13" and it works just fine. The fix cost me less than $20.

[@ufohunters4612]

Another great video !! Thanks for educating me once again!!

[@quocminh21]

thank you so much for this content, you made it look so easy!!!

[@wndaa]

this video is exactly what i needed, thanks!

[@armandocardenas8]

Saying I have blue smoke coming out from the muffler would that indicate I have bad seals on the turbo ?

[@colbymcintosh5989]

Hello, can you help me with a quick question? Is it possible to change out the oil fill line without removing the turbo entirely?

[@michaelgallo3943]

Thanks for the video. Any tips on replacing just the coolant lines to the turbo?

[@shanemiller9191]

I love you videos. No fluff. Just straight to the point. I need a better scan tool. What kind do you use. I want to find one that would help me diagnose better. And do things like program new injectors. Etc. Are you patreon?

[@VehicularDIY]

I use a laptop with ISTA and INPA installed.

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

my car has a vacuum wastegate can i get a turbo with electric wastegate or will that not work, do i have to just find one with vacuum wastegate

[@robhughes8516]

May I ask what your background is? You seem to be a real natural at this whole “mechanic” thing and I’m just curious if this is how you earn your living or just something you like to do on your own? I really enjoy the content and wish I was even half as competent as you at this. I have an 09 X5 4.8 and it’s been very reliable so far but I plan on doing any work that needs to be done in the future myself and really liked your previous X5 content.

[@VehicularDIY]

I work in the IT hardware industry. I started wrenching when I was young but it's been a side gig.

[@adrianlastname4864]

drill bits don't make a perfect circle, they make a slightly triangular circle

[@2FTermination]

Excellent video tutorial! Thank you!

[@SonikDMV2A]

Where/how did you get the vacuum line for pneumatic wastegate actuator? The electronic one doesn't have the input line. How did you solve that?

[@baims8367]

2014 x3 looking at buying right now owners said has p1290 code electronic waste gate stop not learned. But what worries me is they say that it doesn’t run at all ?? Wouldn’t it at least try to start or run with this p1290 waste gate relearn code? It just would t make power (boost)

[@HowToNation]

Looks A lot easier than doing the same thing on an N54 😂🙃

[@335d-Lane]

Thanks for the video man

[@pasttraveller5767]

Hello, Love your contents, I recently bought 2017 BMW 330xi B48 and looking to replace valve cover gasket but wanted to buy Tools set to do this and other maintenance jobs without putting it on lift, would you be able to recommend tools I need for the maintenance jobs. Thanks

[@machtschnell7452]

So the later N26(?) came with electronically actuated waste gates (which I thought were superior) but you reinstalled the vacuum actuated waste gate because the (a) DME could not actuate it or the wiring was not present or (b) because you were working with what it had? Surprised you found the non-MSport seats even tolerable let alone comfortable.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah the late 2012 N20 and all N26 powered models has EWG so I needed to retrofit the pneumatic actuator as it would involve a DME swap and new wiring etc without much benefit. Yeah making what I had work. Well they are not supportive but couch like lol.

[@YK-lk3po]

Should do the timing chain job at that mileage

[@dakotamack6918]

Your a straight machine no waisting time in detail as fuck good shit brother!

[@calebordogne4611]

Hey man I have a n20 and I wanna make as much power as possible but keeping the engine alive do u have a parts list u could suggest?

[@CityHunt3R911]

I was wondering at how many miles are you guys at when replacing the turbo??? I'm at 122k miles and it seems to have inconstant power.

[@robertconklin502]

awesome video. having the same issue at start up.. smokes for a good bit. any way to replace the updated turbo oil feed line without having to take out the whole turbo? im pretty sure thats my issue. no boost codes but im sure it needs it! i also have a little bit of oil in my charge pipe coming from the throttle body? this a affect of this as well? im new to this particular engine. i just did a timing chain and oil chain module on this thing. Its running and driving but i have that smoke and would like to fix asap. thanks again.

[@ImranKhan-ej3fy]

Have you changed the feed line? If so, Did you or did you not need to remove the turbo to replace?

[@robertconklin502]

@@ImranKhan-ej3fy u have to remove the turbo. i did replace the line and no issues since doing so.

[@puctbridge]

turned out really good!

[@andrewtravers7964]

Wow love the car. $$$ I just need to get on ur sales website. Live in California to.

[@moneybagschavy683]

I’m watching this video cause I’m trying to locate the ground strap on a F25 with a n20

[@whydotufaqoff]

Thanks...A great video. I have got to change my oil feed pipe now and this is just the guide I needed. One thing different on my one I noticed is that I have a big aluminium subframe in the way and it all looks a bit harder to get to. My one is a 2013 . Is it the same process do you know? Many thanks...

[@lifeofluke8620]

Is yours xdrive? How did it go? I’m about to attempt the same. Oil line replacement.

[@paulyprograms]

What book? You mention "doing it by the book". Haynes manual? or another. Great video

[@philiplee7604]

Great content as usual!!

[@wezob4569]

I'm amazed by how roomy that engine bay is. 👀

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah its kind of nice lol.

[@davidbarlow7955]

Good show How many hours involved

[@davidnunez571]

You are the man!! I just want to change the feed line for now. Would it be easier to just do that? thank you!

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah for sure you can get to just the feed line with the turbo on the car.

[@pastorscottbrooks]

Do you have any reference videos or instructions on how to only change the feed line?

[@davidnunez571]

@@pastorscottbrooks I have the part, but couldn't do it. I think you have to follow the steps of changing the turbo. Couldn't also find any videos.

[@scottshimabukuro8457]

I am also going to be replacing my feed line soon. Could use some instruction on how it can be done without removing the turbo, like what parts don't need to be removed. If the turbo stays in place, can I get by just draining the motor oil and not the coolant?

[@manuelreyes396]

Hello, very good video, is it posible for you to get an ECU for a 2013 320i Sport with the manual waste gate actuator?

[@scarface16134]

I want a f30 now lol but I'm saving for a F30 M3 or a M4

[@Andy-ur4vu]

Damn this video is just done so properly thank you

[@ronniet3887]

This video is an absolute lifesaver. Can you list all the tools you used in this video? I would definitely purchase them through an affiliate link

[@YunusAtasoy_]

he why did you go from electronic to pneumatic wastegate, the electronic at stage 1 provides 260hp and pneumatic at 235hp isnt it better to use the electronic wastegate?

[@YungaceOfficialChannel]

Does hand tight work or do u really need a torque