M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: nomad on August 07, 2008, 08:14:14 PM

Title: Increase air to the radiator
Post by: nomad on August 07, 2008, 08:14:14 PM

So when it's over 100*F and I'm driving around I need all the cooling effect I can get. I've just installed an electric fan and made sure the cooling system is all refurbed after my overheating incident a year ago.

So I'm looking at the front end of the 318 and wondering why they bothered to block out the bottom most valence vent. Cost savings I suppose.

I like the way the oil cooler adds visual detail to the 325 so I jumped on one at the junkyard. Installed it today.

There is a plastic tray that helps direct air from only the top vent into the radiator area. It bent down easily to direct flow from the bottom vent as well.
So now i have two times as much vent air being directed to the radiator.

Small but, every bit of extra air and cooling helps.
(http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/2588000-2588999/2588092_134_full.jpg)

Title: Increase air to the radiator
Post by: Cobra Jet on August 11, 2008, 12:01:36 PM

Do you have a better pic of the "slotted" vent you added that is in that above picture?  What is the BMW part # for that piece, any idea?

Also, from the pic you posted, I'm not seeing the plastic tray or "diverter" you are referring to, any other pics of that part or piece?

Title: Increase air to the radiator
Post by: xwill112x on August 11, 2008, 06:59:59 PM

yea i have one of those also..i didnt notice anything...but it sure does look alot better.