A Guide to Resolving BMW Turbocharger Malfunctions

Are you wondering why your BMW is no longer delivering the power it is known for? A faulty turbocharger may be the cause of this problem. The turbocharger in your BMW engine delivers more power and efficiency, all thanks to its ability to push extra air into engine cylinders. Your BMW will experience less power output and other performance issues when it malfunctions. Let’s see the major malfunctions caused by a turbocharger and how you can fix them.

Common Causes of Turbocharger Problem

• Clogged Air Filters: When air filters become clogged with debris, they limit turbocharger airflow, which requires the turbo to work harder to draw sufficient air. This condition puts additional pressure on turbocharger systems, producing overheating and decreased performance while potentially damaging internal parts.
• Foreign Object Damage: Foreign matter, including dirt, metals, or particles, can enter the turbocharger through the air intake or exhaust system. Such objects can cause wear or failure of the compressor or turbine blade and decrease efficiency.
• Excessive Heat: Turbochargers operate at very high temperatures since they depend on exhaust gases to power their turbines. When your vehicle’s cooling system fails to work properly, excessive heat damages critical turbocharger components through warping and cracking. A turbocharger’s efficiency decreases while its failure risk grows higher when vehicle temperatures exceed normal levels, and this situation requires immediate attention.
• Worn Seals: Seals in a turbocharger prevent the mixing of oil with the intake air or the expulsion of the oil with the engine’s exhaust gases. Unfortunately, these seals are not permanent and can deteriorate with time, permitting oil to seep through to the turbocharger. This leakage can result in smoking, power loss, and other parts contamination.
• Oil Contamination or Insufficient Oil: Turbochargers work by getting their lubrication and cooling from clean, high-quality oil. Dirt or sludge in the oil can cause internal abrasive wear, and insufficient oil levels lead to overheating, increased friction, and failure of the turbine bearings and shaft. These problems are best avoided if the car is serviced regularly, especially by changing the oil as required.

How to Fix BMW Turbocharger Malfunctions

• Air Filter Replacement: Start by checking your BMW’s air filter. The turbocharger depends on clean air intake to reach its maximum operational performance. Cleaning or replacing a clogged or dirty air filter will improve turbocharger airflow and overall performance.
• Turbocharger Cleaning: Dirt and debris may gather inside the turbocharger over time and will compromise its performance. Deposits in the turbine and compressor can be easily cleaned with the help of a professional by using special cleaning products.
• Address Oil Leaks: Sometimes, oil leakage may occur in the engine, and if it seeps into the turbocharger, it is badly damaged. Check for leakage around the turbocharger and repair them immediately. Your turbocharger needs regular oil change services using premium motor oil.
• Repair or Replace Damaged Components: Any problem with the turbine blades, seals, or any of the internal parts of the turbocharger will affect its functioning. In case of slight damage, repair the components, but if they are badly damaged, replace them.
• Address Overheating Problems: Check that your BMW cooling system operates correctly. The turbocharger and other engine components will suffer damage when temperatures rise too high. Regular coolant inspections combined with radiator maintenance operations will help prevent problems.
• Fix Electrical or Sensor Issues: Your turbocharger’s performance becomes compromised when sensors fail to work properly or when electronic control units develop problems. Professional diagnostics can diagnose electrical or sensor-related issues. As soon as the fault is identified, it is necessary to repair or replace defective parts for the turbocharger to function normally.

Let Milestone Motors’ Professionals Help Fix Your BMW Turbocharger

Our team at Milestone Motors, located in Royal Palm Beach, FL, specializes in BMW turbocharger diagnostics and repair work. The technicians at our shop possess both the technical expertise and diagnostic equipment to handle all turbocharger problems in BMW vehicles. Our sophisticated equipment diagnoses the root of the problem in your turbocharger. When it’s time to service, we replace the parts with genuine BMW parts and repair them as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Our specialists will always take the time to explain what is being done to your car during the repair process. We are also pleased to attend to the BMW car owners in neighboring areas, including Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and Wellington, Florida. Come see us for your next appointment today, and let our professionals bring your BMW back to life with power and performance.