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Change Car Turbo

Very technical 3h00–16h00 ~300–1600£
Estimated time 3h00–16h00
Estimated labour cost ~300–1600£
Difficulty Very technical
Vehicles
X1 2009-2015 11
  • s, xDrive 18d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • s, xDrive 18d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • s, xDrive 20d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • s, xDrive 20d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • s, xDrive 20d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • s, xDrive 20i Petrol (N20B20A)
  • s, xDrive 25d Diesel (N47D20D)
  • sDrive 16d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • sDrive 16i Petrol (N20B16A)
  • xDrive 23d Diesel (N47D20D)
  • xDrive 28i Petrol (N20B20A)
X1 2015-2022 16
  • s, -xDrive 18d Diesel (B47C20A)
  • s, -xDrive 18d Diesel (B47C20A)
  • s, -xDrive 18d Diesel (B47C20B)
  • s, -xDrive 20d Diesel (B47C20A)
  • s, -xDrive 20d Diesel (B47C20B)
  • s, -xDrive 20d Diesel (B47C20B)
  • s, -xDrive 20d Diesel (B47C20B)
  • s, -xDrive 20i Petrol (B48A20A)
  • s, -xDrive 20i Petrol (B48A20A)
  • sDrive 16d Diesel (B37C15A)
  • sDrive 18i Petrol (B38A15A)
  • sDrive 18i Petrol (B38A15A)
  • sDrive 18i Petrol (B38A15F)
  • xDrive 25d Diesel (B47C20B)
  • xDrive 25e Electricity,Petrol (B38A15A+IA1)
  • xDrive 25i Petrol (B48A20B)

What is the role of the BMW X1 turbo?

The turbocharger increases engine power by compressing the intake air, allowing more air (and therefore more fuel) into the combustion chambers. It is driven by exhaust gases spinning a turbine at speeds up to 250,000 rpm. The compressed intake air passes through an intercooler to reduce its temperature before entering the engine.

What are the symptoms of a failing BMW X1 turbo?

Common symptoms include: loss of engine power or boost, excessive exhaust smoke (blue/white for oil burning, black for over-fuelling), whining or whistling noise from the turbo area, engine warning light or turbo fault codes, oil leaks at the turbo housing, increased oil consumption.

What causes BMW X1 turbo failure?

The main causes are: oil starvation (blocked or restricted oil feed lines, low oil level, poor oil quality), foreign object ingestion, excessive exhaust temperature, worn bearings due to high mileage, and contaminated oil. Always investigate and fix the root cause before fitting a replacement turbo.

Can a BMW X1 turbo be reconditioned?

Yes, turbo reconditioning is a common and cost-effective alternative to buying new. A reputable service will disassemble, inspect, replace worn parts, rebalance, and test the unit. Expect to pay 30–60% of the new price.

Is it difficult to change a BMW X1 turbo?

Difficulty level 5/5: very technical. The turbo is connected to both the intake and exhaust systems, requiring numerous disassembly steps. Approximately 5 hours on average for a professional mechanic. Key precautions after fitting: change the engine oil and filter, prime the turbo with oil before starting, allow the turbo to cool down after hard driving by idling for 30 seconds before switching off.

2 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
X1 2009-2015 2009-2015 s, xDrive 18d Diesel (N47D20C), s, xDrive 18d Diesel (N47D20C), s, xDrive 20d Diesel (N47D20C), s, xDrive 20d Diesel (N47D20C), s, xDrive 20d Diesel (N47D20C), s, xDrive 20i Petrol (N20B20A), s, xDrive 25d Diesel (N47D20D), sDrive 16d Diesel (N47D20C), sDrive 16i Petrol (N20B16A… Diesel, Petrol
X1 2015-2022 2015-2022 s, -xDrive 18d Diesel (B47C20A), s, -xDrive 18d Diesel (B47C20A), s, -xDrive 18d Diesel (B47C20B), s, -xDrive 20d Diesel (B47C20A), s, -xDrive 20d Diesel (B47C20B), s, -xDrive 20d Diesel (B47C20B), s, -xDrive 20d Diesel (B47C20B), s, -xDrive 20i Petrol (B48A20A), s, -xDrive 20i … Diesel, Electricity, Petrol