“Turbocharging” – BMW accelerates after a while – what is it and how should it work?

BMW driver question

The problem is that after pressing the accelerator pedal, the car is “wondering” if it should go and only after two or three seconds it starts to accelerate. I observed the phenomenon at speeds from 80 km/h upwards. I have replaced the filters and catalytic converter. What could be the cause, maybe the flow meter?

The problem was with the BMW 530d, but also occurs in other models.

BMW 5 E60 | By Matthias (Self-photographed) [Attribution], via Wikimedia Commons

Response from BM Cars service

In BMW cars equipped with a turbocharger, e.g. 530d, at the moment of rapid acceleration at engine speed around 1800 rpm, the air supercharger should turn on.

The moment of activation of the supercharging – after pressing the accelerator pedal is controlled by an electro-valve that transmits a signal to the turbocharger. With a well-functioning intake system, the delay of the so-called turbocharger can last around 1-2 seconds. A longer delay may indicate improper operation or damage to the control solenoid valve or damage to the turbocharger.

He suggests performing a full diagnostics related to the turbocharger and its control.

TwinPower turbo engine in BMW 740i | By 根川孝太郎 (Own work)[CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Other BMW tips related to the topic at hand

• Exhaust smell and smoky engine in BMW – what is the cause and how to fix it?
• Fading engine in BMW with automatic transmission – how to fix it?
• Jerking and white smoke on cold engine in BMW – what is the cause and how to fix it?

BMW 5 E60 | By OSX (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Read more tips and ask your own question

Free Technical Tips

BMW M Power Twin Turbo Engine | By Thesupermat (Own work)[CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons