TDI 170 (BMN Engine) - Turbo Problem?

[.Ben.]

I've got an 08-plate GT Sport 170 with 74k on it, that I've owned for a few months. It's got a FSH (VW and Specialist) and had 1 previous owner that is a middle-aged, sensible-driving family friend. It's been good as gold until last week...

It has developed a noise - only when cold and between 1500-2000 revs - that sounds like a police siren.

It's always had a bit of a whistle under heavy acceleration - nothing alarming but something I put down to being a characteristic of the car (my first TDI).

I've got:
- No smoke
- No loss of power - pulls *very* strongly in all gears
- No warning lights

...Basically, nothing that would indicate a fault or impending failure!?

Searching for 'police siren turbo' returns loads of results for the PD140 but not a huge amount on the PD170. Maybe I'm being unconsciously selective about what I'm reading  

I'm coming 'round to the idea that my turbo's goosed. I'm also not sure how long it's got left before it dies? So I guess I'm asking you guys about my options.  

I think my choices are:
- Buying an OE replacement (est. £700-1000 for the part + fitting)? Not a good option if it's failed after 74k of being pampered.
- Buy a Garrett replacement from Darkside? Would this option be a direct replacement? No aspirations for big power, though.
- Anything else I should consider?

Many thanks!

B.

[JoeDarKa]

They are quite a noisy turbo in general.

Mine is a 140 and the turbo was replaced about 18months ago.

Mine whistles and makes a "ho" noise whilst changing gear

Im not that bothered, if it pops, it pops!

[stuart-88]

My Seat Altea makes the siren noise too though its the 1.9 BXE engine. Personally I'm not worried at all, it's never got worse. If it's not broke don't fix it n all that.

[Andy]

Could be the turbo or you may have a slight boost leak

[.Ben.]

Thanks for the responses guys.

If I suspected a boost leak, is there a simple way of tracing it?

[Gaz_Vrs]

We had this earlier on this year on my other halfs bmn engined A3, this had done 110k, although better still not great :-( Decided to replace the turbo just incase it did s**t itself, all has been well since

[lippyx]

I had a 170 recently, and the turbo went on that. I thought I could hear turbo bearing noise, again, when it was first started. Took it to VW (still under warranty) and the technician came out for a test drive with me to hear it. As he got in the car he joked saying the turbos on these cars last longer than the engine its self. Took it a little way down the road and he said "you hear that whistle as you accelerate", I said yes, that's the turbo isn't it, and he said "yes, but it shouldn't be that loud! Your turbo has gone".

Luckily I had warranty, but not sure about you. Have you taken it to a garage?

[.Ben.]

Not taken it to a garage yet, I like to try and educate myself first...

Today's problem is that a woman drove past the car and utterly obliterated my d/s wing mirror. Ugh. Fortunately got her details though.

I'll get it booked in for a once over next week.

Thanks again.