There are no stupid questions!

F3thirty5 · 03-19-2010, 11:53 AM

Ok, maybe there is. Here goes anyway. Noticed when people upgrade the FMIC they don't put the center grille piece back in. Looks pretty cool most of the time seeing the aftermarket FMIC in there. However, wouldn't the IC get pounded by road debris etc? Thought the grille down there protected it some? Is it a cosmetic decision or do people leave it off because of air flow?

Sorry. Had to ask.

SfValley335i · 03-19-2010, 12:04 PM

it helps from getting the fins on the FMIC bent.

bent fins = less flow/cooling

GeorgiaTech335coupe · 03-19-2010, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cramp

Ok, maybe there is. Here goes anyway. Noticed when people upgrade the FMIC they don't put the center grille piece back in. Looks pretty cool most of the time seeing the aftermarket FMIC in there. However, wouldn't the IC get pounded by road debris etc? Thought the grille down there protected it some? Is it a cosmetic decision or do people leave it off because of air flow?

Sorry. Had to ask.

Answers to your questions - yes, yes, both.

chiefsotos · 03-20-2010, 08:49 AM

i also wonder how much gains we get if we remove this center grille. Has anyone measured the inlet air temperature with and without this grille?

forza1976 · 03-20-2010, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefsotos

i also wonder how much gains we get if we remove this center grille. Has anyone measured the inlet air temperature with and without this grille?

Probably no measurable difference.

cn555ic · 03-20-2010, 09:00 AM

NO difference...just asthetics only....grill allows as much flow as without them...

Bimmer This · 03-20-2010, 10:03 AM

I agree. There's no difference in air flow with the grill on or removed. I think it's more for the "intercooler" exposed look that most people go for. It probably helps protect debris from hitting the fins but probably not by much.

forza1976 · 03-20-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer This

I agree. There's no difference in air flow with the grill on or removed. I think it's more for the "intercooler" exposed look that most people go for. It probably helps protect debris from hitting the fins but probably not by much.

Yeah, that's right v-dog!

Tiago@VRSF · 03-20-2010, 12:00 PM

Well I imagine there would be a difference in airflow, just a very marginal difference that would hardly be noticeable.

It's cheaper in the long run to just leave the grill on if the car is a daily driver.

F3thirty5 · 03-20-2010, 11:01 PM

I have to admit, a new FMIC with the grille off looks better, but for some reason, I would be guy that left the grille off and have a rock fly perfectly into the IC and leave the fins dented or maybe even spring a leak!

Its a daily driver so I'm thinkin I will leave the grille on.

Good to know its not an airflow thing.

03-19-2010, 11:53 AM	#1
F3thirty5 Private First Class 9 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 08 335 XI Coupe Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Long Island New York iTrader: (9)	There are no stupid questions! Ok, maybe there is. Here goes anyway. Noticed when people upgrade the FMIC they don't put the center grille piece back in. Looks pretty cool most of the time seeing the aftermarket FMIC in there. However, wouldn't the IC get pounded by road debris etc? Thought the grille down there protected it some? Is it a cosmetic decision or do people leave it off because of air flow? Sorry. Had to ask.
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03-19-2010, 12:04 PM	#2
SfValley335i Colonel 167 Rep 2,409 Posts Drives: Current:135i Sold:335i sedan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: City of Angels iTrader: (8)	it helps from getting the fins on the FMIC bent. bent fins = less flow/cooling
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03-20-2010, 08:49 AM	#4
chiefsotos First Lieutenant 51 Rep 300 Posts Drives: BMW 335 E93 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Greece iTrader: (0)	i also wonder how much gains we get if we remove this center grille. Has anyone measured the inlet air temperature with and without this grille?
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03-20-2010, 09:00 AM	#6
cn555ic 464 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	NO difference...just asthetics only....grill allows as much flow as without them...
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03-20-2010, 10:03 AM	#7
Bimmer This Major General 103 Rep 6,473 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Westminster iTrader: (3)	I agree. There's no difference in air flow with the grill on or removed. I think it's more for the "intercooler" exposed look that most people go for. It probably helps protect debris from hitting the fins but probably not by much.
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03-20-2010, 12:00 PM	#9
Tiago@VRSF 2108 Rep 43,350 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Doral, FL iTrader: (99) Garage List 2014 F30 328xi [0.00] 2015 F82 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	Well I imagine there would be a difference in airflow, just a very marginal difference that would hardly be noticeable. It's cheaper in the long run to just leave the grill on if the car is a daily driver.
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03-20-2010, 11:01 PM	#10
F3thirty5 Private First Class 9 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 08 335 XI Coupe Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Long Island New York iTrader: (9)	Yeah, I figured I have to admit, a new FMIC with the grille off looks better, but for some reason, I would be guy that left the grille off and have a rock fly perfectly into the IC and leave the fins dented or maybe even spring a leak! Its a daily driver so I'm thinkin I will leave the grille on. Good to know its not an airflow thing.
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