You’ll see that the BMW TwinTurbo Power option utilizes two turbochargers. The two turbochargers are often positioned one next to the other in twin turbo technology. By compressing more air into the combustion chamber, these parts cooperate to increase your engine’s power and fuel efficiency.
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Everything is in the name with BMW TwinPower Turbo.
BMW created its ground-breaking TwinPower Turbo technology on the basis of the twin-scroll principle, as alluded to in the first sentence. In essence, the name tells it all, yet even if it’s obvious, many people don’t find it to be that simple.
First off, despite the fact that both use two turbochargers, a widespread misunderstanding is that twin turbo = biturbo, which is rarely the case. Another misconception is the idea that TwinPower Turbo really refers to a twin turbo setup, which is untrue.
To further explain, let’s begin with the following definitions:
- Two turbochargers are used in tandem with each other in twin turbo technology (“twin”)
- Biturbo also uses two turbochargers, but they are divided equally on either side of the cylinder bank (typical for V8 engines)
- A single turbocharger with two scrolls is the foundation of the BMW TwinPower Turbo.
- Two turbochargers are used by BMW TwinTurbo Power (yes, this variant also exists).
- Don’t confuse TwinPower Turbo with TwinTurbo Power because they are different.
It seems simple, huh? It sort of is. An exhaust manifold that is properly constructed and what is known as a divided intake turbine are both components of BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. The last part is extremely important since it aids in properly aligning the cylinders so that exhaust gas can be directed independently on a single scroll.
As you may remember, the TwinPower Turbo is now installed on BMW engines with either four or six cylinders, depending on the fuel type being used (diesel or petrol). In inline-four applications, the first and third firing cylinders are paired on one scroll, while the second and fourth firing cylinders are coupled on the second scroll.
The combination order for inline-six engines is commonly 1-3-5 on one scroll and 2-4-6 on the other scroll. Given the heated inner V architecture of the BMW V8 units (the N63/S63 generation), the requirement for greater power led to the adoption of twin turbo, or two turbochargers combined (with the turbochargers placed between the cylinder banks). And indeed, despite not having a clear name, the 8-cylinder engine’s turbocharging system is known as BMW TwinTurbo Power.
Moving on to TwinPower Turbo, which utilizes the twin-scroll concept, there are a number of advantages over single-scroll turbochargers.
- due to the balanced pairing of cylinders depending on firing order, the boost response is proper and swift.
- Continual recirculation of exhaust gases via the twin-scroll engine’s exhaust system enables consistent, uninterrupted power output at all engine speeds.
- the turbocharger wheel is fed with as much pulse energy as possible.
- increased running effectiveness and turbocharging unit life
- considerable reduction in fuel use and turbo lag
- a better low-end power delivery that is comparable to twin turbo engines
- measurable progress in lowering pumping losses
Other parts have been created to improve the balance and smoothness of the engine’s operation in order to exploit the advantages of the BMW TwinPower Turbo. The centrifugal force pendulum included into the dual-mass flywheel operates to avoid any irregular engine rotations, which are prone to occur at low rpm. The vertically offset balance shafts correct the vibration optimally.
How Do Turbochargers Operate?
Let’s quickly review the concept of turbochargers and the reasons they function. The fundamental operation of a turbocharger is shown in the graphic below.
I believe it is most straightforward to visualize the exhaust manifold, which is exactly where the cycle begins. The exhaust gases are sent into the exhaust manifold after the cylinder burns. Any extra air is then channeled through the wastegate to manage and limit boost pressure before being delivered to the turbine inside the turbocharger housing. The turbine, which is connected to the compressor via a shaft, is spun by the high-speed exhaust gases (“turbo shaft”). This causes the compressor wheel to rotate, which, as you would have predicted, compresses the air and generates boost pressure. After passing through the intercooler to reduce air temperature, the compressed air is finally directed into the cylinder.
You might hear references to the “hot side” or “cold side” of a turbocharger from time to time. The turbo’s turbine, or exhaust, side is its hot side. The turbo’s compressor, often known as the intake side, is the cold side. The charge pipe, which is what is generally referred to as the boost pipe in the figure above, is shown. The dump pipe is often referred to as the downpipe. Fun fact: When fully throttled, turbochargers frequently operate at rates greater than 150,000 RPM.
What distinguishes TwinPower Turbo from TwinTurbo Power fundamentally?
Based on firing order, the exhaust manifold in both designs is evenly divided into two headers. The TwinPower Turbo, often known as the dual scroll turbo, is a single turbo powered by two exhaust down tubes and two pairs of alternating cylinders. Each of the two exhaust down tubes on the Twin Turbo Power’s two turbos is fed. Refer to the illustration below to see how the TwinPower Turbo technology looks. The following example is from a 4-cylinder engine, but the same concept may be used with 6-, 8-, and 12-cylinder engines.
Now that the fundamental concept has been clarified, we can further discuss why BMW shifted to the TwinPower design and its benefits over the Twin Turbo Power design.
TwinPower Turbo Engines by BMW
The heart of every BMW is an innovative petrol and diesel engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. They blend cutting-edge turbocharger technology, fully variable performance control, and the newest injection technologies.
BMW Twin-Scroll Turbo: What is it?
What exactly is a twin-turbo engine? The Twin in TwinPower does not imply that the engine has two turbochargers. Instead, it indicates that two spirals, sometimes known as scrolls, are used to separate the exhaust gases in an exhaust manifold.
Which V8 twin turbo BMW is this?
From 2008 till the present, the twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine known as the BMW N63 has been manufactured. The N63’s “hot-vee” architecture, with the turbochargers housed inside the “V” of the engine, makes it the first production automobile engine in the world. Additionally, it is BMW’s first V8 turbocharged engine.
A naturally aspirated V8 engine, the BMW N62 was succeeded by the N63, which made its debut in the 2008 X6 xDrive50i.
How many horsepower does a dual turbo BMW add?
The 6-cylinder Twinpower Turbo redlines at 7000 rpm and has a maximum output of 300 horsepower at 5800 rpm. At 1200 rpm, the maximum torque of 300 lb-ft almost instantly begins. Until 5000 rpm, it keeps forcing you back in your seat.
What BMW models have dual turbos?
from the issue of August 2018 Automakers have become experts at getting more mileage out of their engines in recent years, and we’re not just referring to mpg figures. German luxury manufacturers and their in-house speed shops frequently employ a powertrain approach that decreases the number of engine configurations and displacements in a company’s range while boosting the number of variations of those fundamental engines. The objective is to accommodate a variety of applications without starting from scratch, including sedans, crossovers, sports cars, and factory hot rods. Consider 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines with a range of 200 to 400 horsepower and V-8s with a range of 400 to 600 horsepower. This strategy controls the expense and complexity of engine development as well as manufacture.
Such power changes can be caused by adjusting boost levels and software in the era of computer-managed turbo engines, as in the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. Or not. Consider the 445-horsepower N63B44O1 in the 2018 X5 and the 617-horsepower S63B44T4 in the 2019 M5 Competition as the least and most potent iterations of BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. With the same size and stroke, compression ratio, valve diameters, and cam profiles, BMW manufactures both in its Munich facility. But they are not at all alike.
How durable are BMW twin turbos?
If the turbocharger centers are properly maintained and not misused (frequently pushed to the limit), they should endure for at least 100k miles.
Why do BMW turbos break down?
The primary reason for turbocharger failure is oil-related, typically as a result of either low oil levels or soiled oil. The lengthy oil service intervals appear to be the root cause of turbocharger failures in BMW vehicles. (Depending on when the car’s indication suggests to perform it, the dealer normally advises oil changes every 12,000–18,00 miles.)
Does a twin-turbo engine speed up your car?
A twin-turbocharged engine is a four-cylinder engine that produces a large amount of power effectively and economically, in contrast to a single turbocharger that needs eight cylinders to create ideal boost. The power increase you want for your car is delivered by a twin-turbo engine since it has greater power, more efficient gas flow, and less turbo lag.
Who produces the BMW turbos?
The new BMW M3 and M4 models use turbocharger technology from Mitsubishi Turbocharger and Engine Europe. At least two single scroll turbochargers are fitted to the 3-liter S58 engine in order to boost this strong engine.