The turbo does need to be removed to replace the feed line. Make sure the new feed line has the check valve installed where it goes into the block.
You can leave the coolant lines connected but it’s a major pain in the ass and just better to remove the turbo completely.
Necessary parts:
Feed line with new T30 screws
Manifold nuts and a few studs just incase
Oil drain line gasket
Turbo coolant line orings and T30 screws
Catalytic converters donut gasket
New clamp for cat to mid pipe
New screw for the lower turbo bracket as this screw breaks 99% of the time
4 circle manifold gaskets
I think that’s it.

 

Okay I've got most of these. As for the lower turbo bracket screw, I can't seem to find that on ECS using those key words. Any idea what size screw?

Also manifold nuts/studs.... How many?

You've been super helpful, thank you!

 

Check for the BMW service bulletin for replacement of the turbo oil line. Our CPO 328ix built on 10/18 2012 qualified for free replacement in Dec 2016 with 27k miles. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10135022-9999.pdf

 

Have you checked the realoem.com diagrams for the parts & part numbers? Here's the engine page for our 2013 328xi. Ignore the pricing - it's inaccurate:
RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

 

The nuts get corroded and threads get stretched when properly torqued so I wouldn’t reuse them.
yes 8 in the picture but again it’s going to snap and the nut is part of 6 or 7 ( the bracket ). You can chisel the old nut off the bracket and put any old nut and bolt that fits in there really

 

The nuts get corroded and threads get stretched when properly torqued so I wouldn’t reuse them.
yes 8 in the picture but again it’s going to snap and the nut is part of 6 or 7 ( the bracket ). You can chisel the old nut off the bracket and put any old nut and bolt that fits in there really

Ugh, you're amazing. Thanks so much for the help, man!

I'm planning to just replace the oil line, but the shop I took it to said the turbo may go bad soon too and they'd suggest replacing it at the same time since it would be the same labor cost. They also quoted me 2-3x the retail price for just the turbo itself, and then labor in addition to that.

My suspicion is that they are trying to get as much money as possible out of me. Ever heard of a turbo going bad at 60k miles?

Anything I can do while it's out to check the condition of the turbo? Just check for waste gate play, etc?

 

60k seems a little early but it’s quite possible. The wastegate gets axial play in the swing arm or the wastegate seat gets worn and doesn’t seal. On top of that you can have bearings fail and the turbo howls and you can have oil leaks as well.

 

just watched a YouTube vid on doing this upgraded oil line to a 328i N26, and they completely removed the exhaust. Is that necessary? I have two Bimmers to do, a 2016 320i xdrive N20, and a 2013 328i xdrive N26. I'm a home garage guy and don't have a lift, just jacks and stands. Normally I like a good weekend project, but I'm honestly dreading these two. A local reputable Euro shop wanted $500+ per car. Seriously considering paying it to avoid the hassle. Not like me but...

 

Im dreading it but also dont want to shell out over 2.5K for the one shop on the island to do it. And I have to make sure my wife wont need the car for the time im working on it. Do you have a list of tools and parts I am going to need for this? and any tricks you might have to simplify it would be awesome.

 

There was a campaign (don't say recall!) to replace this line on our 2013 328i with N20. It was done free of charge outside the time of our free maintenance window. Check with your dealer.
Turbo Oil Line Recall
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10146877-9999.pdf

 

John,

Unfortunately mine doesn't qualify for that campaign. I'm outside of the date rang (2015) and mileage >145K. Thank you though!