Is it worth an upgrade?

[jstumbler]

Howdy Folks,

Sorry if this question has already been answered, but I searched through a good page and a half of 'turbo' references and didn't find an answer to my specific question. If you know the answer is out there and want to post me a link, that would be fantastic.

Here is the really quick version. I have 2007 B7 A4 2.0T Quattro. I unknowingly purchased it with a blown turbo (dumping oil), so I replaced it with a 'good condition' used turbo from this forum. It was way worse. So now I'm back to square one. So here is my question.

Is there any benefit to purchasing an aftermarket turbo if I don't plan on tuning the car or adding any other mods? If I buy an oem K03, or K04, or APR (just to pick a random manufacturer), will it benefit an otherwise stock set up?

Thanks, and looking forward to your help.

[BrilliantHolmes]

I wouldn’t recommend getting the k04 without a tube

[Poodini]

If your plan is to keep the car essentially OEM, then a K04 or K04 hybrid (retooled K03 able to run larger turbo fan/other internals) would be the wrong way to go. In doing so, you would HAVE TO do the following: invest in a larger FMIC as well as a high flow intake, an HFC or Test pipe, a high flow down (middle) pipe, and last but not least, a K04-specific tune.
And even if none of those were required, the cost of a new or used K04/Hybrid is significantly more than its K03 counterpart.
My suggestion to you would be to bite the bullet and get a new, direct OEM K03 replacement. That way, it’s warrantied and you can get back on the road with some peace of mind vs dealing with a used unit, OE or otherwise. If you still decide to go used, the biggest problem with this K03 has been the waste gate. It has been long known and only within the last few years finally addressed by Audi via an updated unit. You’ll want to make sure that either the actuator on it is 1) the most recent updated version or 2) it’s been verified by a mechanic that the actuator has not loosened to the point of losing its functionality. Believe me, since buying mine brand new back in December ‘09, the turbo has been replaced TWO TIMES, most recent was 2016. That means I’ve had 3 turbos in my car over the course of nearly 9 years, all for the same waste gate failure error wc caused underboost to no boost period! Thank God for warranties but had to fight Audi of North America to get a “Goodwill Repair” since I was over the warranty timeline.
So if you want something that’s going to be reliable esp if it’s your daily driver, preferably get one that’s OE/equal to that’s covered.


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[Poodini]

Also, when you say it was dumping oil, had it been properly diagnosed by a trained mechanic? You may want to have it rechecked by a shop that specializes in VW/Audi. A common mistake during the install is ensuring that the oil return line is properly mounted as well as the diverter valve.

You would be wise to get another set of trained eyes on it. Who knows, you may not necessarily need a whole new turbo!


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[jstumbler]

Thanks! All good info. This definitely gives me an idea of what direction to head in.

[Jayz691]

Question relating to this. If I'm getting code p0299, over and over. Is it likely that I'm having this wastegate issue. After I clear codes it comes back up within a day or 2. Says intermittent. Thanx. Been like this for a year since I bought car. It spools, but feel the car should have a little more pull. Guess I should get a boost gauge, cuz not sure what I'm really getting, boost wise.

[BrilliantHolmes]

Question relating to this. If I'm getting code p0299, over and over. Is it likely that I'm having this wastegate issue. After I clear codes it comes back up within a day or 2. Says intermittent. Thanx. Been like this for a year since I bought car. It spools, but feel the car should have a little more pull. Guess I should get a boost gauge, cuz not sure what I'm really getting, boost wise.

I would check the diverter valve. May be time to replace it.

[Poodini]

Check the wastegate actuator (rod). If there’s significant play or ability to move it around/loose you have 1 of 2 options:
1) Repair the wastegate mechanism. There are topics on this so do a search. The wastegate has been a weak spot for our 2.0 tfsi engines for several years. It’s only most recently did they update that assembly to combat premature failure.

2) REPLACE THE TURBO: speaking fr experience, I’ve had my turbo replaced THREE TIMES since I purchased the car new back in Dec ‘09. Each time it was for the same fault code P0299 “underboost/no Boost fr turbo; poss waste gate.” The first two were covered under warranty. The third occurred at ~95k. Despite Audi of North America having extended the warranty to combat this, i was still well past the cutoff. So, I pleaded my case to my local dealership who intern put me in contact with Northwestern Regional Supervisor of A. NoA, submitted my service records from the dealership to show that the car was properly serviced at the recommended intervals as well as establish a pattern of this same fault reoccurring every 25-35k. They FINALLY settled with offering a “goodwill repair”. Basically, they agreed to provide e with yet another new turbo but on the condition I have it installed by the dealership. So it came out to ~60/40 split in cost, 40% I was on the hook for. Better than them denying it altogether wc they were well within their rights to.

Unfortunately these are one of those faults which is a true mechanical issue vs something electronically. Therefore, until it’s repaired/replaced, you’ll continue to throw that code.

Depending on your particular situation, it may do you well to drive over to your dealership, explain your situation, mention the extended warranty wc covered this, and see what they can do. In my case, I had built a good report with the dealership’s service department so that definitely helps. They’ll be more inclined to assist you vs someone who’s pushy/demanding. In some respects, it’s a bit suggestive but, if you’ve kept your service records and have had service at any time done with the dealership, you should be good to go.

Keep us posted


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[Jayz691]

DV was updated.

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[Jayz691]

I don't have good records and don't go to dealer, so that's out. Ill have to check out the waste gate rod. Thanx.

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