Can a blown turbo cause a blown engine?

[bthomas]

While driving on the freeway my X5 suddenly lost power and light grey smoke was coming out of the exhausts. I manage to get over the hill and pull over in a safe place. I was informed by the dealer that it is probably a turbo issue. I tried starting the car again, it turned over once or twice and then just refused. It just gave a malfunction error.
The dealer has diagnosed it as a turbo issue, but they cannot get the engine to turn over so are telling me I need to replace the engine and all three turbos.
I am questioning the diagnostic skills of the technicians. Can a blown turbo really destroy the engine? Could it not be an electronic issue preventing the engine from turning over?
Replacing the engine and turbos will cost as much as I paid for the vehicle.
Not sure if anyone on this forum has any advice, I'm really hoping to not have to replace the engine.

[neverdone]

I would get a second opinion at another place that isn't a dealer.

[CatalinP]

When the turbo is blown there is usually a loss of oil pressure in the engine, and running the engine without lubrication will definitely seize it.

[sukhk527]

Usually a car with a blown turbo can still run and even drive in some cases. Would definitely recommend a second opinion assuming it didn’t already lose oil pressure.

[tfunk88]

If they’re attempting to turn over your engine by hand and can’t get it to turn over its very possibly seized.

[bthomas]

Diagnosis is as follows, both high and low pressure turbos failed, this caused an excess of oil in the piston chamber and this resulted in a hydraulic lock and and a bent connecting rod.

BMW dealers do not do repairs, they replace components, so have quoted to replace the entire engine. This would cost more than my car is worth. They do have a goodwill policy and sometimes offer assistance, this time they will not.

I will be taking my BMW to be repaired and will be selling it. I love my vehicle, but will no longer risk driving a BMW based on what I have just experienced.

My advice to all. When your motor plan ends, replace your vehicle, or extend your motor plan, or get additional insurance.

It's an unfortunate situation, and a rare one. I was hoping BMW would assist. Some tough lessons have been learned.

[stocktree]

That sucks to hear. You going to find an independent shop to attempt a repair?