[Polo08816]

Well, folks, I have now experienced the dreaded charge pipe failure...

The car in question is my 2014 335i M Sport RWD with SAT. It has approximately 78,500 miles on it and I did purchase the BMW Extended Warranty Platinum for 5years/100,000 miles. The only modifications are M Performance Suspension Kit, M Performance Limited Slip Differential, F8X M3/M4 brake pads, and APEX ARC-8 + Michelin PSS 255/40/18 all around. The powertrain has remained completely bone stock for the entire life of the car. No tunes, piggybacks, downpipes, intakes, etc.

It failed around ~7:30 in the video below which was taken at Summit Point, WV during an HPDE:

Here's a picture of the cracked charge pipe:




I'm thinking that because the charge pipe is plastic, it will withstand stock boost pressures initially. But after age and repetitive heat cycles, the plastic becomes brittle and is prone to failure right where it connects to the throttle body.



I was able to duct tape it and drive it to a BMW dealership in Eco Pro mode after that failure.

The Service Advisor said that because the powertrain is stock, this failure would be covered under my extended warranty.

Here's what it looks like after the repair work:






The service advisor said that this was the 3rd stock N55 to come in this week with a cracked charge pipe. The other two vehicles had cracked charge pipes around 35,000 miles and 50,000 miles.

I'm curious if we're going to be headed to recall...


I've attached a ISTA ISTAD Charge Pipe PDF as a reference in case you may want to upgrade to an aftermarket charge pipe. My plan is to run the original plastic BMW charge pipe until the extended warranty has run out.

[bryan_G01]

how scared where you when you heard the shotgun BOOM sound and got a CEL?

I busted my stock on Limerock at 120mph. I was able to use a muffler clamp to hold it on to get through the session and get home till I swapped it for an ER.


You wont see a recall.

[Fabspeed Motorsport]

I highly suggest just going aftermarket and getting a much more durable charge pipe. They are relatively cheap and easy to install which could save you from going down a road of headaches.

I went ER with mine and I have not had a single complaint. Just make sure you transfer the little gasket on the OEM charge pipe over to the ER one - common mistake people make.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by Fabspeed Motorsport

I highly suggest just going aftermarket and getting a much more durable charge pipe. They are relatively cheap and easy to install which could save you from going down a road of headaches.

I went ER with mine and I have not had a single complaint. Just make sure you transfer the little gasket on the OEM charge pipe over to the ER one - common mistake people make.

My plan is to stick with the original BMW charge pipe until my extended warranty is over. Then I'll go with a metal charge pipe.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

My plan is to stick with the original BMW charge pipe until my extended warranty is over. Then I'll go with a metal charge pipe.

Aluminum

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Aluminum

I prefer Adamantium!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

I prefer Adamantium!

[XutvJet]

Blown charge pipes seem to be a way of life with late model turbo cars, stock or modded. It's common place on WRXs, Ford Ecoboost motors, VW/Audis, BMWs, etc.

I think the OP is right, assuming stock power, age and heat cycles were likely the culprit here. I do find it interesting that most reporting blown charge pipes are either modded or are road racing and pop the pipe off on a long, high MPH and high boost vs gear situation. It's really not surprising. If you're staying stock, you probably should change out the charge pipe every to 3-4 years or so.