Air & turbo

Compressor wheel

Spins to draw in and compress intake air.

Drag to turn it Open in the 3D lab
Where it sits

Inside the cold-side housing of the turbocharger.

How it works

Curved aluminium blades accelerate air outward; the scroll housing turns that speed into pressure.

Think of it as

A fan that squeezes air instead of just moving it.

Symptoms when it fails

Chipped blades, oil in the intake or a siren-like noise need a turbo inspection.

Lifespan

Filters follow the vehicle service schedule; ducts and boost hardware are inspected for condition, sealing and operation.

Repair cost

A hose or filter is generally simpler to service than a turbo assembly. Access and diagnosis can dominate cost.

The BMW angle

BMW TwinPower Turbo engines pair compact compressor wheels with twin-scroll turbines for quick response.

Used in

BMW combustion models; boost hardware applies to turbocharged engines only.

Sources
Same system

Air & turbo

Engine air filterRemoves dust from air before it enters the engine.Air-filter housingHolds the air filter and directs clean air into the intake.Intake manifoldDistributes incoming air to the cylinders.Throttle bodyUses a movable plate to regulate an intake passage.TurbochargerUses exhaust energy to push more air into the engine.Turbo wastegateDiverts exhaust around the turbine to help control boost.Turbo diverter valveRelieves compressed intake air when operating conditions call for it.Charge-air coolerRemoves heat from compressed intake air.