[dosilikesbmw]

Is there a way to keep the active shutters open on the 2020 M340i? I just want them to be open all the time because it looks better that way. Are there downsides to this besides the minimal aerodynamic changes?

[Gregus330i]

Yes, fuel economy. That's why they are there primarily 👍

[The Outrage]

Grille shutters have a number of advantages like increased fuel economy and decreased time to optimal engine temperature. I think they are a pretty smart engineering solution.

[Sedan_Clan]

How significant are the savings?! It doesn't seem plausible that it's that significant, and all of the Ford/BMW/etc. literature that I've read doesn't cite any figures. Being that BMW didn't put them on the ///M5 or other ///M's, it doesn't seem that it's really that beneficial.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

How significant are the savings?! It doesn't seem plausible that it's that significant, and all of the Ford/BMW/etc. literature that I've read doesn't cite any figures. Being that BMW didn't put them on the ///M5 or other ///M's, it doesn't seem that it's really that beneficial.

This. This is similar to when BMW said those "Bimmerangs" helped with aero on the F32/33/36...only to remove them on the LCI so how beneficial was it really? The same could be said about the active grilles.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

This. This is similar to when BMW said those "Bimmerangs" helped with aero on the F32/33/36...only to remove them on the LCI so how beneficial was it really? The same could be said about the active grilles.

Oh yeah! I forgot they said that. Lol! I hated those Bimmerang fenders too.

[Tam the Bam]

It will definitely help with engine warm up in really cold weather but what that is worth in efficiency I have no idea. It will improve mpg by some degree. Here in Europe where fuel is more expensive it is important to many...

But if you buy an M340 mpg probably isn’t your main focus.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Tam the Bam

It will definitely help with engine warm up in really cold weather but what that is worth in efficiency I have no idea. It will improve mpg by some degree. Here in Europe where fuel is more expensive it is important to many...

...it's easy to cite that, but I would like to see figures. I can't see how simply closing the grilles will improve aero that much (..or by any measurable/noticeable amount).

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Oh yeah! I forgot they said that. Lol! I hated those Bimmerang fenders too.

I dislike them as well but if they are vents, whatever, at least there is some "function". On my F36, it's just a stupid piece that's stuck there. At least with Carbon Black, it sort of masks/blends those things. LOL

[NYC_340i]

I guess you can try finding and pulling the fuse for them to keep them stuck in the open position but I agree with some people here in that it doesn't seem to make too big of a impact on looks and whatever benefit it gives might be good to have.

For me at least I'm looking forward to seeing if these will help the engine get to operating temp faster in colder weather.

Also, at least the active shutters aren't as ugly and stand out as much as it does in the C class.

[Weiner0123]

On a cold morning where my heat kicks in in less than 3 minutes.... it's worth having the shutters closed lol

[JayPichardo]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

This. This is similar to when BMW said those "Bimmerangs" helped with aero on the F32/33/36...only to remove them on the LCI so how beneficial was it really? The same could be said about the active grilles.

The last gen 5 Series had them, you just couldn't see them. Many other automakers have active grills as well.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by JayPichardo

The last gen 5 Series had them, you just couldn't see them. Many other automakers have active grills as well.

Proven to be particularly beneficial on diesel engines for much faster warm up in previous generations of BMW.

I suppose the issue is, they are now part of the aerodynamic package, so show on the front of the vehicles. A bit like some of the radiator blinds (of a different age), where drivers would add a winter blind to keep the engine up to temperature.

There are savings, the motor industry is using active shutters to help achieve emission targets, both by aero and engine efficiency. BMW quoted 0.8g/km saving for the 7-series. I've seen up to 9% savings in some of the technical study reports.

Savings will obviously depend on the type of use. A driver with a lot of winter cold start/short runs, or high speed driving, will clearly get more gains than someone driving long runs at low speeds.

[upsidedownfunnel]

Keeping air out of the engine bay also potentially reduces lift and controls airflow around the car more predictably. It can actually have a pretty significant impact on fuel economy. Warming up your engine more quickly also improves (reduces) emissions as well as reducing wear and extending engine life. It also speeds up the heater in the winter and having fun.

I don't believe it's easy to remove. Even if you did, you'd most likely get a MIL.