BMW E60 530d charge pipe wear and leak
530d
What causes wear on the E60 530d's charge pipe?
The expansion tank's water hose rubs against the aluminium charge pipe and wears a hole in it. The wear is often at the hose, and oil mist can leak from it onto the engine and the alternator.
What are the symptoms of a charge pipe leak?
When accelerating, a whistle or metallic whine is heard from the engine bay, resembling a failing pulley bearing. That is why the alternator and pulleys have sometimes been replaced unnecessarily before the real fault was found.
How is a worn charge pipe repaired?
The worn spot is cleaned, filled with chemical metal and protected. The hole can also be welded shut. Finally the water hose is moved further away with a cable tie and padding is put in between, so the rubbing does not recur.
Related articles
BMW E60 diesel not warming up: main thermostat and other causesBMW E60 remote only works up close and the radio cuts outBMW E60 automatic gearbox jerks when pulling away coldBMW E60 battery drains overnight – measuring quiescent currentBMW E60 glow plug relay and glow plug controller: fault and replacementBMW E60/E61 front end clunking and creakingBMW E60 battery replacement and registrationBMW E60 automatic gearbox oil change