cold bud3

So, my turbos are almost done. Smoking, low in power etc. but here's why I wanted to say something about replacing them.
FCP Euro has one only and it's not original, it's Chinese. They sell it for close to $2000. Found the same one on amazon, yes AMAZON for $1500
So, we all know that parts markup is a thing, so like most people, would not consider buying the amazon part, however I had an inspiration to go visit garrett turbochargers website and long behold they advertise to buy original parts and that there are many imitations out there and to be careful and only buy from Authorized parts shop because the fake ones fail within 6213 miles or 10k km(according to them)
Now, going through appropriate channels (avoiding $3500 charge per unit at dealer, not including seals, nuts, lines etc) I've contacted Garrett and they just referred me to my nearest authorized rep, which in Chicagoland area is only one, turns out it's a trucking business specializing in diesel trucks mainly.
I stopped right here. If anyone experienced this and have something to add to this, or if you were in this situation, how did you resolve it ? The one mechanic I have, recommended FCP and if the part goes bad, it can be exchanged. Sure, but it costs me $2000 every swap.
So, my turbos are almost done, nobody sells original, but dealer, many fakes out there, what to do... what to do.

PS: I don't mind spending $6k(parts and labor) to replace them, but I do mind getting counterfeit parts and if I have to buy from dealer, $8000 with all the lines, seals, etc. plus $2000 install that's $10.000 half the cars value.
Interesting, isn't it ! ....shower thoughts.

OldManAndHisCar

Well, your in Scumburg so your options are VERY limited (most of the good speed shops in the region closed years ago - heck, most things there closed years ago). That said, IF the "truck shop" can get the part, and you have a mechanic who will install the part...why not? No different than going ordering from FCP (Lifetime warranty). Whats his face has an E63 and does a ton of things to it...Youtube guy in the Chicago area, Kenny, he may have some better regional answers for you.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I know Weistec offers to rebuild an existing turbo as an upgrade for the M276 3.0 Liter twin turbo. Not sure what they could do for you.

The smoke is certainly one way to tell that your bearings are shot and that there is too much play in the compressor-turbine shaft. Any other symptoms?

cold bud3

There's no repairing this. Upgrade is only viable if housing is intact, which is most likely not. According to Tasos videos, most, if not all of them housings are cracked. Cracked I say.
The only problem I face is buying genuine without the dealer markup. Aaaannd they hold the poooweeeer !!!

PeterUbers

How long are you keeping this car? And your car is only worth $20,000?

OldManAndHisCar

https://turbochargersdirect.com/new-...ur-104293-gtn/

just over $2,200 per side and OEM

Jaybird123

Following as I have a similar situation with my E550 coupe. Its m278 so the smaller turbos, but one may be toast and I’m torn whether it’s worth dropping the engine and buying $5-6k worth of turbos to install. Even if I pull off the massive diy job, it’s sticking $6k into a $10k car with 134k miles. It has SOO many new parts and is a sexy whip…but if I do all that work and the tranny goes south right afterwards my head will explode.

Do keep us posted…I’m certainly not buying from stealership

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Is the car only worth $10,000 to you? Is that what you will sell it for?

The value of a car is its value to YOU, not some stranger.