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BMW 5 Series: N57S 3.0L multi-turbo boost/actuator failure (535d / M550d)

N57S 3.0L multi-turbo boost/actuator failure (535d / M550d) is a common engine fault on the BMW 5 Series on the 2011–2017 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $1,800 to $7,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 58 documented faults on the BMW 5 Series.

Vehicle
BMW 5 Series
Only on
Bi-Turbo / twin-turbo
Engine
N57
Years
2011–2017
Fuel
diesel
System
Engine

This page covers the BMW 5 Series as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All BMW 5 Series faults58 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Turbocharger yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The F10 535d uses the twin-turbo N57S and the M550d a tri-turbo version of the same 3.0-litre six. The extra turbos and their complex boost plumbing add several electronic actuators and control flaps that seize with soot and age, giving intermittent low-boost, limp mode and expensive diagnosis. A common pattern is the small turbo's actuator only engaging after switching the ignition off and on. Because BMW does not sell actuators separately, a botched dealer quote can run to a full turbo assembly - independents often rebuild the actuator instead.

What you would notice

  • Intermittent low boost / limp mode
  • Full power only after switching the ignition off and on
  • Boost-pressure and turbo-actuator fault codes
  • Lag or lack of pull at higher revs

How to check it

Where to look. Twin/tri turbochargers and their actuators on the exhaust side of the engine

On the drive, do firm accelerations from low and mid revs to confirm both turbos deliver smooth, strong boost with no flat spots or limp mode. Have it scanned for boost/actuator codes. Ask whether any of the turbos or actuators have been replaced or rebuilt.

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

What it costs to put right

$1,800 to $7,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “Does it ever go into limp mode or only make full boost after a restart?”
  • “Have any turbos or actuators been replaced?”

Now check the BMW 5 Series you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

  • BimmerFest 'F11 535d n57z small turbo actuator only boost if i turn on off twice' thread
  • ECU Testing BMW turbo actuator problem page
  • Santjer Performance N57 turbo upgrade / failure notes

BMW 5 Series buyer questions

Is n57s 3.0l multi-turbo boost/actuator failure (535d / m550d) serious on a BMW 5 Series?

We rate it major and common on the BMW 5 Series. The F10 535d uses the twin-turbo N57S and the M550d a tri-turbo version of the same 3.0-litre six. The extra turbos and their complex boost plumbing add several electronic actuators and control flaps that seize with soot and age, giving intermittent low-boost, limp mode and expensive diagnosis. A common pattern is the small turbo's actuator only engaging after switching the ignition off and on. Because BMW does not sell actuators separately, a botched dealer quote can run to a full turbo assembly - independents often rebuild the actuator instead.

How much does it cost to fix on a BMW 5 Series?

$1,800 to $7,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which BMW 5 Series years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2011–2017 BMW 5 Series. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

On the drive, do firm accelerations from low and mid revs to confirm both turbos deliver smooth, strong boost with no flat spots or limp mode. Have it scanned for boost/actuator codes. Ask whether any of the turbos or actuators have been replaced or rebuilt. Look here: Twin/tri turbochargers and their actuators on the exhaust side of the engine