Hi all,
in Portugal, we are having this same problem. I've know of at least 3 cases of broken turbos (one 120d 177cv and two 320d Coupe 177cvs). Mine hasn't failed until now, and I'm not the kind of person that drives for lowest consumption values, but it has only about 4000 kms by now. I've already spoke to the BMW dealer were I bought my car, and they told me that this is already an official and assumed issue. They also told me, that the cars where the problem has occurred, are cars sold between August and the end of October, at least they all were from this period, but it doesn't mean it can't happen to any other.
Another thing, just to clarify those of you with doubts about "electric" turbos, the model with the 163 bhp engine, also has an "electric" turbo. I don't know if it is the same of the 177 bhp model, but it works the same way. And it is not really an electric turbo. The wastegate valve, instead of being controlled by vacuum, it is electronically commanded by the car ECU.
Please keep this post up to date. It is a serious issue that interests to all of us.