My dads 5er has a series of horizontal flaps just behind the grill, on every other 5er you can see the radiator? I thought this might be because it a diesel or its a UK model, but I have seen a 535d recently (without it). Any ideas? It seems like the vents open from air pushing them open when driving?

 

I have this as well om my 545i, and AFAIK, Dennis has it on his 530i as well.

It's a winter thing I think, for warming up the car faster and therefore reducing emmisions...or something like that.

 

We have it on our car to. It helps the motor to reaching it's temprature. When the motor reach it's normal temprature and it is hot outside, you can see that they are open!

And NO, they cant be open by the wind when you are driving. Try to set key in position 2 (engine not runing!) and then try do push at them!

They are controlled by a motor, that open and close them....

 

Hi,

I think you mean the flaps preventing the cold air cooling the motor if it's still cold.

I remember those were invented years ago with the old 7er as those large machines would take hours to become warm just because of the air cooling the motor (not the radiator).

Btw: I have those flaps on mine.

 

Thanks, i thought they could be for heating faster, but didn't know that they were controlled by a motor.

 

I didn't even notice those on mine!
Are these available on 5's built for the U.S.?

 

They all have it, even the 535d

EDIT: OK looks like early cars didnt have them, anyone know when they were added ?

 

I think it is a European thing... in the US I have not seen them on any 5er.

As for warming up. My 545 is fully warm within about 5 minutes. Not very long compared to my perviouse car, 2000 VW golf, which took 12 - 15 minutes.

 

I don't have them on mine. FEB-04 build - US Spec. I also don't have any problems with the car warming up.

 

Interesting

Dealer says it is listed for both USA and Europe on the 5 Series, but on the 6 Series its only listed in Europe