what would happen in a rag was caught in the turbo

Asked by michelleymc Dec 19, 2016 at 10:17 AM about the 2004 BMW 5 Series 530i Sedan RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

what would be the symptoms and how soon would they happen

4 Answers

103,085

Well if it made it through the turbo it would end up in the throttle body. I suppose it would eventually by chewed up and burned to a crisp before sent out the tailpipe as ash and smoke. Can't say it wouldn't toast the turbo in the process though.

2 people found this helpful.
103,085

What exactly happened, was the rag placed in the turbo or exhaust tube? If it's just stuck in the tube and not sucked through, I imagine it would just cause restricted air flow, which would hamper performance and fuel economy, but it should burn up at least. Otherwise it may damage the turbo, throttle body, or exhaust valves. I think it would be worth it to open it up and remove it.

103,085

If the rag git sucked in through the filter, then the problem may be with the vanes on the turbo, if one got bent or broken, as well as clogging the intercooler. I think in that case the effect would be felt pretty quick.

Your Answer:

5 Series

Looking for a Used 5 Series in your area?

CarGurus has 318 nationwide 5 Series listings starting at $4,500.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Michael Branan
    Reputation
    1,400
  • #2
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    1,050
  • #3
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    950
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW 3 Series
72 Great Deals out of 1,176 listings starting at $1,995
Used BMW 7 Series
8 Great Deals out of 120 listings starting at $5,995
Used BMW M5
42 listings starting at $26,800
Used BMW X5
46 Great Deals out of 1,183 listings starting at $3,900
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
38 Great Deals out of 505 listings starting at $5,700
Used BMW M3
7 Great Deals out of 94 listings starting at $15,995
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
85 Great Deals out of 1,421 listings starting at $3,499
Used BMW 6 Series
7 Great Deals out of 59 listings starting at $6,800
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class
12 Great Deals out of 224 listings starting at $8,887
Used BMW X3
48 Great Deals out of 1,019 listings starting at $995
Used Audi A6
6 Great Deals out of 114 listings starting at $7,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.