Turbo Replacement T5

bristolgenie · Nov 23, 2021

Hi, I've just been quoted £1482 to replace the turbo on my 2008 T5 70,000 miles. We had an issue with diesel fumes in the cab on idling but after investigation and originally thinking it was a problem with the exhaust manifold, it now appears there are exhaust fumes going across the turbo (at least I think that was what they said). Does this sound like the right amount to be paying for a turbo replacement?

scottk · Nov 23, 2021

Sounds expensive. Try Darkside Developments. They have a prove of about £800 for the turbo alone. Then you add fitting. You might manage to get the turbo refurbished

scottk · Nov 23, 2021

That should read “price” not prove!
Have you had any issues with the turbo like lack of power?

flying banana · Nov 23, 2021

i'm not convinced. exhaust ' fumes going across the turbo ' ? what are they talking about ? failed turbos have common symptoms. as said already,low power. black smoke at the tailpipe, maybe more noise than usual, whistling or whooshing noise. at idle the turbo won't be spooling up to full speed either, fumes in the cabin point more to cracked manifolds or exhaust gaskets to me

WelshGas · Nov 23, 2021

bristolgenie said:
Hi, I've just been quoted £1482 to replace the turbo on my 2008 T5 70,000 miles. We had an issue with diesel fumes in the cab on idling but after investigation and originally thinking it was a problem with the exhaust manifold, it now appears there are exhaust fumes going across the turbo (at least I think that was what they said). Does this sound like the right amount to be paying for a turbo replacement?

Personally I would get a 2nd opinion. @flying banana beat me to it.

scottk · Nov 23, 2021

Check all you hoses for cracks and loose fitting too.

bristolgenie · Nov 23, 2021

Thanks for your replies. I’m in Bristol and have been using VeeWee services for servicing my T5 for a number of years so I have no reason to think they are trying to rip me off. Any recommendations for a 2nd opinion in the Bristol area? Will not be going back to Heritage Van Centre due to a number of issues with them over the years when the van was still in warranty.

Perfectos · Nov 23, 2021

Check the basics first before shelling out for a new turbo

https://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/threads/exhaust-fumes-in-t5-cabin.103365/

bristolgenie · Nov 23, 2021

Thank you

B J G · Nov 23, 2021

The EGR pipe with a concertina/bellows in it is known to split causing your problem.
There is an upgraded design part now available.

Looks like this

Genuine VW Transporter T5 EGR Metal Connection Pipe 03L 131 521 S - 03L131521S | eBay

Genuine VW Transporter T5 EGR Metal Connection Pipe 03L 131 521 S - 03L131521S. Fitment: VW Campmobile Type 2 / T2 2010 -...

www.ebay.co.uk

Big Ted · Nov 23, 2021

bristolgenie said:
Thanks for your replies. I’m in Bristol and have been using VeeWee services for servicing my T5 for a number of years so I have no reason to think they are trying to rip me off. Any recommendations for a 2nd opinion in the Bristol area? Will not be going back to Heritage Van Centre due to a number of issues with them over the years when the van was still in warranty.

I’ve used Luckwell Garage for both my N plated T4 and now my 2008 T5 Cali.
I’ve never had any reason to go elsewhere, always been pleased with their service.

Big Bloke · Nov 23, 2021

Hi, I had the turbo go on my 2008 1.9tdi T5 Transporter in February 2019 after 160,000 miles ( not on my California ). I paid £1000 for a reconditioned Turbo & water pipes, oil and filter change. The work came with a 2yr warranty. Literally just got back from picking the van up from an MOT and service and the California from a brake pad change from our local indie VW specialist, who had first recommended the Turbo repair centre to me. Probably a little far you but we used https://best-turbos.com/

2into1 · Nov 23, 2021

I've been chasing similar fumes for 18 months. A leak from the boost pipe at the intercooler is the latest hypothesis. I'd like to see a smoke test prove their turbo theory before shelling out that much.

andrew bazeley · Nov 27, 2021

I also have a 2008 Cali with 70,000 miles! I had fuel smells inside in 2016, and it was diagnosed as needing a replacement EGR cooler (whatever that is). It fixed the problem (which they said was quite common), and it cost a total of £669.

M&Jsblucal · Nov 27, 2021

Firstly I need to confirm what fumes you can smell, "diesel fumes" would indicate a fuel leak and that's not a faulty Turbo, if you mean "exhaust fumes" they could emanate from anywhere on the exhaust system?
The turbocharger is a strong robust assembly and it would be unusual to have cracked and leaked exhaust fumes. A more likely source of fumes could be oil or fuel leaking onto the hot turbo, or from the exhaust connections to it. I would expect any good independent garage or exhaust centre would be able to pinpoint the source of the exhaust/diesel fumes.
I tend to agree with Flying Banana, get a second opinion!