MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: .Ben. on August 22, 2014, 01:59:47 pm

Title: TDI 170 (BMN Engine) - Turbo Problem?
Post by: .Ben. on August 22, 2014, 01:59:47 pm
I've got an 08-plate GT Sport 170 with 74k on it, that I've owned for a few months. It's got a FSH (VW and Specialist) and had 1 previous owner that is a middle-aged, sensible-driving family friend. It's been good as gold until last week...

It has developed a noise - only when cold and between 1500-2000 revs - that sounds like a police siren.

It's always had a bit of a whistle under heavy acceleration - nothing alarming but something I put down to being a characteristic of the car (my first TDI).

I've got:
- No smoke
- No loss of power - pulls *very* strongly in all gears
- No warning lights

...Basically, nothing that would indicate a fault or impending failure!?

Searching for 'police siren turbo' returns loads of results for the PD140 but not a huge amount on the PD170. Maybe I'm being unconsciously selective about what I'm reading  :laugh:

I'm coming 'round to the idea that my turbo's goosed. I'm also not sure how long it's got left before it dies? So I guess I'm asking you guys about my options.  :happy2:

I think my choices are:
- Buying an OE replacement (est. £700-1000 for the part + fitting)? Not a good option if it's failed after 74k of being pampered.
- Buy a Garrett replacement from Darkside? Would this option be a direct replacement? No aspirations for big power, though.
- Anything else I should consider?

Many thanks!

B.
Title: Re: TDI 170 (BMN Engine) - Turbo Problem?
Post by: JoeDarKa on August 22, 2014, 07:08:00 pm
They are quite a noisy turbo in general.

Mine is a 140 and the turbo was replaced about 18months ago.

Mine whistles and makes a "ho" noise whilst changing gear

Im not that bothered, if it pops, it pops!
Title: Re: TDI 170 (BMN Engine) - Turbo Problem?
Post by: stuart-88 on August 22, 2014, 07:42:21 pm
My Seat Altea makes the siren noise too though its the 1.9 BXE engine. Personally I'm not worried at all, it's never got worse. If it's not broke don't fix it n all that.
Title: Re: TDI 170 (BMN Engine) - Turbo Problem?
Post by: Andy on August 22, 2014, 07:52:20 pm
Could be the turbo or you may have a slight boost leak
Title: Re: TDI 170 (BMN Engine) - Turbo Problem?
Post by: .Ben. on August 27, 2014, 05:36:34 pm
Thanks for the responses guys.

If I suspected a boost leak, is there a simple way of tracing it?
Title: Re: TDI 170 (BMN Engine) - Turbo Problem?
Post by: Gaz_Vrs on August 27, 2014, 09:31:49 pm
We had this earlier on this year on my other halfs bmn engined A3, this had done 110k, although better still not great :-( Decided to replace the turbo just incase it did s**t itself, all has been well since :happy2:
Title: Re: TDI 170 (BMN Engine) - Turbo Problem?
Post by: lippyx on August 28, 2014, 07:46:25 am
I had a 170 recently, and the turbo went on that. I thought I could hear turbo bearing noise, again, when it was first started. Took it to VW (still under warranty) and the technician came out for a test drive with me to hear it. As he got in the car he joked saying the turbos on these cars last longer than the engine its self. Took it a little way down the road and he said "you hear that whistle as you accelerate", I said yes, that's the turbo isn't it, and he said "yes, but it shouldn't be that loud! Your turbo has gone".

Luckily I had warranty, but not sure about you. Have you taken it to a garage?
Title: Re: TDI 170 (BMN Engine) - Turbo Problem?
Post by: .Ben. on August 30, 2014, 05:17:05 pm
Not taken it to a garage yet, I like to try and educate myself first...

Today's problem is that a woman drove past the car and utterly obliterated my d/s wing mirror. Ugh. Fortunately got her details though.

I'll get it booked in for a once over next week.

Thanks again.