S3 emissions fail on Mot

I had to get a new turbo a few months back...ended up getting an exchange unit (BAM 2003 S3) from this place...

http://www.turbotechnics.com/

I dealt with a guy called Ryan,very helpful,if you decide these people mention me and that you are a member on here,may get a better deal :blush: he may even remember me (Tim). It's helpful if you have the turbo code (stamped on inlet side casing).

I chose the 'off the shelf' reconditioned turbo for mine.Be careful with ebay turbos as some are poorly balanced Chinese copies.

Have a look at this post...

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/thread...ad-my-baby-is-home.261997/page-9#post-2936168

Cost of turbo does vary,also I looked at the removal guide from the link in my post but I physically couldn't do it,ended up paying a garage,it takes around 9 hours labour charges so you'd need to figure that into it if going down that route.

hth.
 
Ryan s3 said:
Ok.
I've got the car through mot and it failed due to the lamba sensors.
This was the reason for the emmisions problem not the blue smoke as I thought.
I have quite a bit of play in the turbo and this would be the first fix for the car and then see what happens after.
If anybody knows of a used turbo for BAM engine code in good condition I would be very interested.
Looks a bit of a pig of a job.
Would the best way to change it be from underneath or from the top of the engine bay ??
Click to expand...


my opinion - although I am still a total beginner.

1. the lamda sensor was most likely wrecked because of the contaminated with oil exhaust gas.
2. instead of getting a used turbo with unknown history - consider a new internal CHRA - or preferably get your one looked at (might only need servicing) - mine was cracked (and still is) - and I am not sure that 1-2 mm in /out play = blue smoke
3. take the head off at the same time then replace from above - my reasons.
a. change the downpipe to a 3 inch at the same time
b. replace the head gasket with peace of mind that is not causing the problem
c. gives you the option to get the valves replaced if they are the problem
d. you will also know the timing belt and water pump have been changed
e. you can clean the throttle body at the same time and re-calibrate
f. you could easily then decide to do a PCV delete and add a catch can with the inlet manifold out the way
g. you could easily decide to change the exhaust manifold if it is cracked (mine was and still is as I couldn't get a suitable replacement)
h. it is much easier to do this from above - no laying around on stones getting crap into your eyes
 
1, It's possible, although wear and tear at this mileage is not uncommon.

2, A good suggestion.

3, If you're just changing the turbo there is no need to remove the head. All you're doing is adding a lot of extra cost to an already expensive fix. Unless you want to go full on Rambo repair/prevent mode and have the funds then there's no point doing all the above at once. If the head has to come off to fit the turbo then there would be a better argument for it but it doesn't.

A, You need to drop the subframe to fit a 3" downpipe, you can't fit it from above only.

B, There are no symptoms that have been discussed that would suggest his head gasket is an issue so it's unnecessary.

C, Yes, although it makes more sense to see if the turbo cures the issue first and then he can put money aside for when the head needs rebuilding.

D, Does he not know anyway? Service history, been done himself? Unless there is no knowledge of one it's unnecessary.

E, If you want to clean the throttle body just pop it off, takes 5 mins.

F, It's easy to fit a PCV with the inlet manifold in place, just take off the cover/bracket and there's enough room

G, This is the only thing part related to a turbo where I would suggest head off as it allow you to have easier access but also to torque the bolts up correctly.

I see your reasoning but unless he has a lot of cash lying to start rebuilding the head with a turbo replacement it makes no sense in my opinion.
 
JonnyDerv said:
1, It's possible, although wear and tear at this mileage is not uncommon.

2, A good suggestion.

3, If you're just changing the turbo there is no need to remove the head. All you're doing is adding a lot of extra cost to an already expensive fix. Unless you want to go full on Rambo repair/prevent mode and have the funds then there's no point doing all the above at once. If the head has to come off to fit the turbo then there would be a better argument for it but it doesn't.

A, You need to drop the subframe to fit a 3" downpipe, you can't fit it from above only.

B, There are no symptoms that have been discussed that would suggest his head gasket is an issue so it's unnecessary.

C, Yes, although it makes more sense to see if the turbo cures the issue first and then he can put money aside for when the head needs rebuilding.

D, Does he not know anyway? Service history, been done himself? Unless there is no knowledge of one it's unnecessary.

E, If you want to clean the throttle body just pop it off, takes 5 mins.

F, It's easy to fit a PCV with the inlet manifold in place, just take off the cover/bracket and there's enough room

G, This is the only thing part related to a turbo where I would suggest head off as it allow you to have easier access but also to torque the bolts up correctly.

I see your reasoning but unless he has a lot of cash lying to start rebuilding the head with a turbo replacement it makes no sense in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Agree with the above.
I'm going in from underneath.
Got a £400 run about sorted and the S3 will be back better than ever.
Will post again when the car is back to it's best
 
Ref
A, You need to drop the subframe to fit a 3" downpipe, you can't fit it from above only.

no you don't if the head is off - you do need to cut the hanger off though. well with my turbo2fast <-- or whatever 3" DP anyway.

the turbo has not been identified as the reason for the blue smoke either,
a head gasket and bolts are £75
 
He said there's quite abit of play in the turbo so it's entirely possible that is the cause. I would hope the garage already did a compression test to check it's not ring blowby as part of their diagnostic checks.

It's not the same symptoms as a head gasket failure. Head gasket produces white smoke (steam in the combustion chamber) not blue smoke, burning oil. Plus it would be overheating like mad.

You would still need to go under the car to attach the sports cat/decat to the cat back system. You cut the hanger off your new downpipe to fit it? You shouldn't need to do that and don't if done from underneath.

Anyway he's already said what he's doing so its pointless rambling on, let us know how you get on Ryan.
 
Thats a good link Stuart B i have saved that pick for reference.
I no this isn't part of this op but where on the rocker cover gasket does it fail? Gasket sealer is used as well as a rubber gasket?
 
with my head gasket change and thus cam cover removal I didn't use sealant - but I now know you are supposed to (I'm lucky enough to no have any leaks currently) - it is usually required around the change of directions - especially the corners vertically changing from straight line to curve over the cams.
 
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