One major feature of modern BMW models is great speed and performance made better by installing a turbocharger. A turbocharger is a performance device that helps to boost your engine’s power and provide more driving satisfaction. While these devices are made and installed to enhance your engine’s functions, they can also be a source of problems to your BMW’s engine. As a car owner with a turbo, you need to know the common issues that could arise, what to look out for and how to fix it to ensure your engine remains in good shape.

What are the Signs of a Faulty Turbocharger in a BMW?

Before you can discuss fixing a faulty turbocharger, you must first understand the signs that indicate that there is a fault. This helps you take quick actions to protect your engine from damage. Hence, are some common signs of a failing turbocharger:

• Slow Acceleration/ Poor Power: One of the common signs that shows that your car’s turbocharger is faulty is that the car struggles to maintain speed and cannot accelerate properly. Since the primary function of the turbo is to improve the engine’s power or better speed and acceleration, you can tell that it is faulty when it does not deliver on these functions. It is also difficult to reach a high speed with a faulty turbocharger.
• Loud Engine Noises: If you notice loud drilling or whining sounds coming from the engine, then it could be a sign that the turbocharge is failing. A working turbocharger typically makes the engine quieter, not making more than a muffling sound. However, if the turbo is bad, it may struggle to keep up with its functions, leading to the production of loud noises in the engine.
• Thick Exhaust Smoke: This is another sign to tell you when your car’s turbocharger is bad. A faulty turbocharger can cause incomplete combustion of fuel in the engine, this then leads to the production of thick smoke from the exhaust system. This can also happen if the turbo has a damaged part that is leaking oil into the hot exhaust system. Once this oil burns when it hits the hot system, it could cause the production of thick smoke. Hence, if you notice the release of thick gray or blue smoke from your BMW’s exhaust, you may need to inspect the turbocharger.
• “Check Engine” Light Comes on: The “check engine” light on your BMW’s dashboard alerts you when there is an issue with your engine. Since the turbocharger works directly with your car’s engine, any issue it has could reflect on the engine and trigger the warning light to come on. Hence, if your check engine light remains illuminated on your dashboard then you may need to look at the turbocharger.

What to Do When Your BMW’s Turbocharger Develops a Fault?

If your BMW’s turbocharger suddenly fails, here are a few things you should do to handle the situation:

Find the Cause

The first thing you should do if you notice any sign of failure in your car’s turbocharger is to find out what is happening. You would need to inspect the turbocharger to figure out what the issue is as there are several reasons why the turbocharger could fail, some major and others minor. Also, it is easier to fix the issue when you know why it is happening. Look for signs of physical damage, clogging, or leaks in the system. We’re happy to help with this inspection.

Seek Professional Help from Our Mechanics

In many cases, a turbocharger problem may require a little more than you can offer, especially when it involves complicated processes. You would need a professional to look at your car’s turbocharger to decide on the best action plan. Ensure that you only seek advice and help from a certified and reliable mechanic.

A Reliable Mechanic Shop in Texas for Your BMW’s Turbocharger Problems

Das European Autohaus is a leading automobile shop in Texas with the best technicians and tools to handle any problem with your BMW. We are experts in European vehicles, and we can help you fix your car’s turbocharger problems. We also provide maintenance services to help keep your car in tip-top shape at all times. If you are in Spring or Houston, TX and you want better performance and speed for your car’s engine, then you should bring it to us so we can get you back on the road, driving with confidence in your BMW!