In this study linear and nonlinear dynamic stability characteristics of a medium-size high-speed turbocharger, whose rotor is supported by two 3-lobe journal bearings, are analyzed to evaluate and identify the effects of its bearing design variables. The rotor has the rated speed of 40,500 rpm and maximum continuous speed of 45,000 rpm. At first, utilizing the linear stability analysis method, bearing designs of yielding stable or unstable LogDecs as small as possible are searched by manipulating with machined bearing clearances and preloads. As next, utilizing the nonlinear analysis method, limit cycles of the rotor responses at the rated and maximum continuous speeds are simulated to check their acceptances. Results have shown that for the turbocharger rotor-bearing system considered, the 3-lobe journal bearing design with a smaller machined clearance and a larger preload are preferred for the stable rotor responses. More importantly, since there exists a good correlation between the linear and nonlinear stability analysis results, it is concluded that firstly the linear stability analysis method may be applied to screen quickly the ranges of bearing designs for stable or least unstable solutions and then, lastly the nonlinear stability analysis method may be deployed to check an absolute motion stability in terms of the limit cycle.