Air & turbo

Charge-air cooler

Removes heat from compressed intake air.

Where it sits

Ahead of the engine or integrated with the intake, depending on system.

How it works

Air-to-air or liquid-cooled heat exchange reduces charge temperature; separate coolant circuits may be used.

Think of it as

A cooling break for air after it has been squeezed.

Symptoms when it fails

Leaks, obstruction or cooling faults can reduce charge cooling and performance.

Lifespan

Filters follow the vehicle service schedule; ducts and boost hardware are inspected for condition, sealing and operation.

Repair cost

A hose or filter is generally simpler to service than a turbo assembly. Access and diagnosis can dominate cost.

The BMW angle

BMW charge-air cooling is not always a large air-to-air radiator behind the bumper.

Used in

BMW combustion models; boost hardware applies to turbocharged engines only.

Sources
Same system

Air & turbo

Engine air filterRemoves dust from air before it enters the engine.Air-filter housingHolds the air filter and directs clean air into the intake.Intake manifoldDistributes incoming air to the cylinders.Throttle bodyUses a movable plate to regulate an intake passage.TurbochargerUses exhaust energy to push more air into the engine.Turbo wastegateDiverts exhaust around the turbine to help control boost.Turbo diverter valveRelieves compressed intake air when operating conditions call for it.Charge pipeCarries pressurized air from the turbo toward the engine.