Mismatching grills

[samiamX5]

Just took delivery and realized the 2 front grills do not match. Has anyone else seen this before? I guess I only need to replace the driver side one now

[TOPEC]

maybe u have a special intake on the passenger side

been digging through the forums lately as i wait for my x5 to arrive, all these mismatched parts is scaring me. now i need to check the car over throughly before signing papers

ps: u got lucky

[dkhm3]

i think this is normal, vents on one side only. same as on my '11 with the previous body style.

[opasha]

Not mismatched. That is how they come because there is an air intake (if I remember correctly when this was swapped/discussed a long while back) on the right and not on the left side (thus, it is closed). If you want the open version for the left, PM Ben (r33_RGSport), and he will get you that piece. The installation instructions are noted here in his pdf along with the euro grille inserts: http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1001636

This thread talks about it: http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=910781

This is the part number if you want to order it yourself (I recommend getting it from Ben; he knows the install, and he's a good guy who helps everyone on the forum): 51118064633

[Barbera335]

There is an additional radiator on the right side that needs airflow. That is why that vent is open. The left side is closed to improve vehicle aerodynamics and fuel economy. Some models will have the left side open as well as there is another radiator installed on the left side. I may be wrong but I believe that is V8 models only.

[iconoclast]

eight cylinder is closed on one side as well.

[r33_RGSport]

Thanks opasha .
I do have them in stock.
The reason it is open is to let airflow going through the oil cooler sitting behind it.
The only X5 that have both side open is the M50d since it got 2 oil cooler.
As far as it will create a drag and reduce fuel economy, you are driving a 50i for humanity's sake. The car is gas guzzler already. How much more mpg can be wasted by creating that little drag where the whole car is a drag.
Even some ppl with prius, i3, i8, tesla, don't even care with mpg anymore.
A grill is meant to be open with holes, a grill without a hole might as well make it smooth as the body panels. Why BMW design it like that? Beats me, I just happened to found the solution for it.

Oh, the configuration are like this:
- 35i/35d , both sides closed
- 50i , US Driver side closed

[JNoSol]

Here's what I know as far as bumper vents for X5:

• 35i: Closed both sides
• 50i: Open one side
• Diesel: Open both sides
• M: Open both sides

Oil coolers.

[iconoclast]

i have a 50i msport and it is closed on one side.

[samiamX5]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the helpful info!

[alphaod]

It looks silly if you ask me. Why they do this giant plastic thing all blocked up and plasticky.

[realsgy]

Originally Posted by alphaod

It looks silly if you ask me. Why they do this giant plastic thing all blocked up and plasticky.

Fake vents look silly in general. Can't wait for this trend to go away.

[iconoclast]

with everyone hunting for the best MPG this is not a trend that will fade quickly. anything and everything that will even yield a fraction of an MPG increase will become standard for a while.