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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions When, exactly, does the Active Grille open?

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      01-16-2020, 08:50 AM   #1
elijahgaraz
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When, exactly, does the Active Grille open?

Hi guys. Just a quick question as I’ve searched the threads on this topic but with no success. How does the grille on the 330i Msport operate? I had a loaner back in August 2019 and it used to open the grille when I put it in sport mode or sport plus. I’ve tried this with my current vehicle (December 2019 production date) but nothing happens. Asked the Bmw technicians at my local dealership and they said it only opens when the engine is at a certain temperature. Can anyone confirm this ?

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      01-16-2020, 09:50 AM   #2
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I was told the same...
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      01-16-2020, 10:18 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elijahgaraz View Post
Hi guys. Just a quick question as I’ve searched the threads on this topic but with no success. How does the grille on the 330i Msport operate? I had a loaner back in August 2019 and it used to open the grille when I put it in sport mode or sport plus. I’ve tried this with my current vehicle (December 2019 production date) but nothing happens. Asked the Bmw technicians at my local dealership and they said it only opens when the engine is at a certain temperature. Can anyone confirm this ?

Cheers
yes, it opens when the engine is hot and need cooling.
normally it should do a self diagnosis at start up. should open and close.

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      01-17-2020, 06:13 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elijahgaraz View Post
Hi guys. Just a quick question as I've searched the threads on this topic but with no success. How does the grille on the 330i Msport operate? I had a loaner back in August 2019 and it used to open the grille when I put it in sport mode or sport plus. I've tried this with my current vehicle (December 2019 production date) but nothing happens. Asked the Bmw technicians at my local dealership and they said it only opens when the engine is at a certain temperature. Can anyone confirm this ?

Cheers
Yup when it wants to breathe it will open - try going in sport plus around some curlies for about 20min and you'll see it in action. Just to get to optimum operating temperature need at least 10 minutes of ordinary driving
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      01-17-2020, 09:08 AM   #5
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I'm sure it's the same as all other manufacturers, it's only supposed to aid the engine in warm up. The faster the warm up the less pollutants. Once it's warm it should stay open.
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      01-17-2020, 10:10 AM   #6
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I do not understand why active grill at all. Can not make any significant benefit and only complicate the things. Doesn't look good neither.
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      01-17-2020, 10:31 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oz555 View Post
I do not understand why active grill at all. Can not make any significant benefit and only complicate the things. Doesn't look good neither.
Years ago folks used to use radiator blinds in winter, to aid/speed warm up, get cabin heat and extra mpg. They knew a thing or two. I'm surprised it has taken so long to get automatic OE shutters.

Of course they makes a difference.
There is a big push for faster warm ups, helps emissions, reduces parasitic drag within the engine, as the oil warms faster.
Reduces energy demand, less use of the 'assisted' electric cabin heating, now fitted in many models.
Improves the aerodynamics, again all about efficiency.
      01-17-2020, 10:58 AM   #8
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Yeah also makes for a annoying trip to the dealer, had a extreme cold snap here in Calgary and it tried to engage and open the binds and just broke while doing so... lol keep an eye out.. at least it triggered a check engine light
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      01-17-2020, 12:20 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tam the Bam View Post
I was told the same...
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      01-17-2020, 01:20 PM   #10
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I'm still trying to figure the 340 grill. I thought it opened, but can't figure it out.
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      01-17-2020, 04:19 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by premier3is View Post
Don't think it opens on the 340i only on the 330i
It opens in the M340i too
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      01-17-2020, 04:23 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VipinLJ View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by premier3is View Post
Don't think it opens on the 340i only on the 330i
It opens in the M340i too
Ahh, I had no idea since the grill doesnt look slotted. Thanks for clarifying, I will remove my original post.
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      01-17-2020, 04:25 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by premier3is View Post
Ahh, I had no idea since the grill doesnt look slotted. Thanks for clarifying, I will remove my original post.
You’re welcome. No need to remove posts. We’re all here to share and learn

And yes. It doesn’t look slotted but it opens up behind the diamond pattern. It’s kinda like doors opening (or vertical louvers except the front portion is the attached part and the rear swings back)
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      01-18-2020, 10:17 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HighlandPete View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by oz555 View Post
I do not understand why active grill at all. Can not make any significant benefit and only complicate the things. Doesn't look good neither.
Years ago folks used to use radiator blinds in winter, to aid/speed warm up, get cabin heat and extra mpg. They knew a thing or two. I'm surprised it has taken so long to get automatic OE shutters.

Of course they makes a difference.
There is a big push for faster warm ups, helps emissions, reduces parasitic drag within the engine, as the oil warms faster.
Reduces energy demand, less use of the 'assisted' electric cabin heating, now fitted in many models.
Improves the aerodynamics, again all about efficiency.
I seriously doubt that benefit is significant. Someone should make real world test to prove that. New cars have different cooling system than the old cars. Second closed grill looks too cheap for one BMW.
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      01-18-2020, 11:29 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oz555 View Post
I seriously doubt that benefit is significant. Someone should make real world test to prove that. New cars have different cooling system than the old cars. Second closed grill looks too cheap for one BMW.
It's a case of "every little helps". Reducing emissions, even if it may be as little as 3 g/km per vehicle, adds up across the fleet fitted with active shutters. One comment I've read, suggests that the CO2 saving in 2018, from vehicles fitted with active shutters was something like 25,000 tonnes.

There are tests, studies and papers, giving the data on reduction in aerodynamic drag, warmup benefits, etc. It is why active shutters are coming to most ICE vehicles.
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      01-18-2020, 01:00 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HighlandPete View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by oz555 View Post
I seriously doubt that benefit is significant. Someone should make real world test to prove that. New cars have different cooling system than the old cars. Second closed grill looks too cheap for one BMW.
It's a case of "every little helps". Reducing emissions, even if it may be as little as 3 g/km per vehicle, adds up across the fleet fitted with active shutters. One comment I've read, suggests that the CO2 saving in 2018, from vehicles fitted with active shutters was something like 25,000 tonnes.

There are tests, studies and papers, giving the data on reduction in aerodynamic drag, warmup benefits, etc. It is why active shutters are coming to most ICE vehicles.
In that case I approve the change even though I don't like them asthetically. 25.000 tonnes less per year is significant achievement.
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      01-22-2020, 02:30 AM   #17
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      01-22-2020, 06:25 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elijahgaraz View Post
Hi guys. Just a quick question as I’ve searched the threads on this topic but with no success. How does the grille on the 330i Msport operate? I had a loaner back in August 2019 and it used to open the grille when I put it in sport mode or sport plus. I’ve tried this with my current vehicle (December 2019 production date) but nothing happens. Asked the Bmw technicians at my local dealership and they said it only opens when the engine is at a certain temperature. Can anyone confirm this ?

Cheers
During the hot summer months my grille stayed open all the time after the car got up to operating temperature. In the colder weather it's not open as much after I park unless I've been doing some spirited driving in sport+.

I assume that it closes on the highway to improve aerodynamics but of course I can't see it so who knows.
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      01-23-2020, 10:11 PM   #19
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Hi all,

I have an M340 that I just swapped the ugly diamondplate-looking grill out in favor of a more traditional black one. This has brought my attention to the active shutters - mine don’t appear to open, ever. One of the prior posts mentioned that the shutters actuate when the car is started. When my car starts, my shutters make some noise and open a little, but definitely nowhere near a 90 degree pivot. More like “cracking the window,” just barely angled from flat. After a few seconds they go back to fully closed. They don’t seem to open after driving either. I’m trying to figure out if this is normal behavior or if I should take it to the dealer. When others’ shutters actuate on engine start, do they fully open or just crack themselves? I should note that I’m in about 40 degree weather right now, which may be contributing.

Thanks in advance.
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      01-23-2020, 11:40 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by the_mpd View Post
Hi all,

I have an M340 that I just swapped the ugly diamondplate-looking grill out in favor of a more traditional black one. This has brought my attention to the active shutters - mine don't appear to open, ever. One of the prior posts mentioned that the shutters actuate when the car is started. When my car starts, my shutters make some noise and open a little, but definitely nowhere near a 90 degree pivot. More like "cracking the window," just barely angled from flat. After a few seconds they go back to fully closed. They don't seem to open after driving either. I'm trying to figure out if this is normal behavior or if I should take it to the dealer. When others' shutters actuate on engine start, do they fully open or just crack themselves? I should note that I'm in about 40 degree weather right now, which may be contributing.

Thanks in advance.
Doesn't sound like your description is out of keeping with the functional objectives of the active grille - ie temperature mx and aerody optimisation

Excerpt: yes it's from the 7 but the concept surely isn't that diff
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      01-24-2020, 04:46 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by the_mpd View Post
Hi all,

I have an M340 that I just swapped the ugly diamondplate-looking grill out in favor of a more traditional black one. This has brought my attention to the active shutters - mine don’t appear to open, ever. One of the prior posts mentioned that the shutters actuate when the car is started. When my car starts, my shutters make some noise and open a little, but definitely nowhere near a 90 degree pivot. More like “cracking the window,” just barely angled from flat. After a few seconds they go back to fully closed. They don’t seem to open after driving either. I’m trying to figure out if this is normal behavior or if I should take it to the dealer. When others’ shutters actuate on engine start, do they fully open or just crack themselves? I should note that I’m in about 40 degree weather right now, which may be contributing.

Thanks in advance.
Any pics and which grills did you use (part numbers would be good).
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      01-25-2020, 12:03 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oz555 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by HighlandPete View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by oz555 View Post
I seriously doubt that benefit is significant. Someone should make real world test to prove that. New cars have different cooling system than the old cars. Second closed grill looks too cheap for one BMW.
It's a case of "every little helps". Reducing emissions, even if it may be as little as 3 g/km per vehicle, adds up across the fleet fitted with active shutters. One comment I've read, suggests that the CO2 saving in 2018, from vehicles fitted with active shutters was something like 25,000 tonnes.

There are tests, studies and papers, giving the data on reduction in aerodynamic drag, warmup benefits, etc. It is why active shutters are coming to most ICE vehicles.
In that case I approve the change even though I don't like them asthetically. 25.000 tonnes less per year is significant achievement.
What's wrong with them aesthetically? I mean you're never gona be looking at them while driving, I see no issues. Only thing is it's hard to clean the grill, I tend to be more careful with them.

Also makes for a good discussion point lol.
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