Wastegate Rattle :(

[ManiacGT]

So I think I've got the N54 waste gate rattle. When the DCT changes gear or I'm at 50% throttle in gear there's a loud tinkling/ratcheting from under the car. Doesn't do it at idle but then I've had the software fix some time ago.

I don't think it's the exhaust flap as I've had that before and it's a different noise.

Really sad about this as I never seem to catch a break with this car.

As I'm on insured warranty unless something breaks it won't be sorted so rattles are rejected.

So I've got to ride around with this noise until something goes bang at which point while left stranded I may be able to claim under insured warranty.

Boring Lexus is in my future I think. I can't stand all the problems I've had with my two BMWs.

[STR3T]

Not covered under this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...0&d=1344705341

8yrs or 82k

[CarAbuser]

How about this fix
http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/view...p?f=4&t=142544

[tranquility]

What exactly is this prb and how loud does it get...did anyone record the sound?

What's the worst-case scenario for this waste-gate prb?

Oh boy, sorry you have to go thru this, nothing I can offer, just moral support.

[ManiacGT]

Originally Posted by STR3T

Not covered under this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...0&d=1344705341

8yrs or 82k

That's US only and I'm UK. Also the US thing only covers failure and rattle isn't failure

[STR3T]

Ahh my bad, ManiacGT. Had you seen CarAbusers link/fix? I'm reading like mad...amazing. Could be a pretty quick/free fix if your accuator isn't failing, eh?

[ManiacGT]

Yeah I read that before.. only issue is getting to the actual turbos, almost impossible from the top and there's no way I can get underneath, I'd need to raise the car and remove all the stuff underneath. Leaving with the dealer, if they can't sort for reasonable money then I might give it to a garage locally to have a go with the actuator rod adjustment fix.

Annoyed, again, with BMW quality.

[nicknaz]

OP, I would start by emptying all items from your car and checking on more common things such as rattling exhaust heat shields. (I thought my car had a rattle, and it was coins rattling against tire pressure gauge in the door panel )

As for the software fix, my understanding is that "fix" leaves the WGs partially open, so performance is lessened. I personally wouldn't mess with anything around the WGs unless there is a failure.

[ManiacGT]

Its definitely engine noise. Only audible if the windows are down and I've also checked the exhaust/flap/shields. Its the same sound as you can hear on youtube if you search for bmw waste gate noise only mine doesn't do it at idle because of the software patch. Mine does it at 50% throttle ish as well as before each gear shift as the waste gate opens.

Once the turbos are up to heat it becomes a loud shush noise but when cold, it rattles very badly. I'm guessing the software patch has masked it for the last couple of years before wear has become too much.