Any tips for a first time turbo owner?

[RDSport323]

I posted this same question over on E90post, but I wanted to get a few more opinions...

Since this will be my first turbo car, are there any particular things I should know in order to keep the car in perfect working condition? Like any differences? break-in period, RPMs, how often to get an oil change? any worries about oil being used faster?

and are there any modifications that can be done to make the engine last longer? I plan on keeping the car for about 5 or so years, and so I want it to last with minimal problems in the long run. Turbo cars are much more expensive to repair after 50k miles? or cheaper?

thanks for the info

[galahad05]

I'll post a couple of points.

1. oil change: there's been lots of debate about the BMW 15k intervals...
My take is: if you're buying the car, do an initial oil change at around 1k miles, then 7-8k between subsequent changes. Or, in other words, you pay for one, BMW pays for one, then you pay for one, then...and so on.

BMW is probably really spot on with the long oil change intervals, but the 7k changes are pretty cheap insurance...


2. follow BMW's recommendations on break-in as much as you can. My main rule--avoid WOT and redline for the first few hundred miles (sadly I couldn't resist temptation...). Whatever else you do, NEVER push the engine very hard before it warms up.

[aus]

Don't drive hard until the oil is warm.

Drive with minimal throttle when you're getting close to your destination to allow time for the turbo's to spool down before you turn the car off (and thus the flow of oil through the turbo's). There is a coolant pump that will circulate after turning the engine off.

[mryakan]

I posted this same question over on E90post, but I wanted to get a few more opinions...

Since this will be my first turbo car, are there any particular things I should know in order to keep the car in perfect working condition? Like any differences? break-in period, RPMs, how often to get an oil change? any worries about oil being used faster?

and are there any modifications that can be done to make the engine last longer? I plan on keeping the car for about 5 or so years, and so I want it to last with minimal problems in the long run. Turbo cars are much more expensive to repair after 50k miles? or cheaper?

thanks for the info
I think following manufacturer recommended maintenance is your best bang for the buck, i.e. least money spent for a very good protection. You can go overboard with added maintenance, but IMO you are adding expense for possibly little benefit, but that is just my experience.
As for mods to increase engine life of a turbo engine, the answer is none, as in don`t do any. Most mods like piggy backs will possibly impact longevity negatively. I am not saying no one should get a piggyback, but if you don`t care to be fast and furious, this is one you could skip. Others choose to get them either because they really like to be even faster or because any potential negative impacts are of little concern to them. To each their own.
Common sense says engine related problems will be costlier with turbos, that includes related parts such as the High Pressure Fuel Pump. Otherwise the rest is the same as any other 3 series.

[Biglew]

Perfect working condition and BMW's don't really go hand in hand.