Air & turbo

Turbocharger

Uses exhaust energy to push more air into the engine.

Drag to turn it Open in the 3D lab
Turbocharger
BMW B58 turbocharger, Deutsches Museum. · Tiia Monto
Where it sits

Attached to the exhaust manifold or integrated exhaust assembly.

How it works

Exhaust drives a turbine connected by a shaft to an intake compressor; the gas paths remain separate.

Think of it as

A windmill powering an air pump.

Symptoms when it fails

Low boost, smoke or unusual noise may also come from hoses, oil supply or control faults.

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

A BMW TwinPower Turbo badge does not establish the number of turbochargers.

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.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.Charge pipeCarries pressurized air from the turbo toward the engine.