Does the mesh over the intercooler serve a purpose?

RnmEvo9 · 05-26-2011, 07:54 PM

Right now I am undecided on which FMIC I want to go with (ETS, AMS, HPF) but I was wondering if the mesh over the intercooler provides additional performance capabilities such as routing more air to the intercooler? Reason I ask is because I prefer the more aggressive look without the mesh such as this with the AMS intercooler:

I am a performance oriented person, so if the mesh does indeed serve a purpose, I will leave it on after I install my FMIC that I sorely need in this Florida weather.

Thanks!

Rodzilla · 05-26-2011, 08:33 PM

Probably for protection against rocks or debris.

pixelblue · 05-26-2011, 08:40 PM

Taking the mesh off will help with better air flow but you are also susceptible to stones and bugs getting stuck and subsequently reducing the performance.

BahamaBart · 05-27-2011, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixelblue

Taking the mesh off will help with better air flow but you are also susceptible to stones and bugs getting stuck and subsequently reducing the performance.

Air flow improvement, doubtful.

The mesh size tells you its job - its not for bugs or small pebbles because I find them in my IC. What I don't see is anything larger! Like road debri, birds,
small game, ect.................................

pixelblue · 05-27-2011, 07:36 AM

^ the mesh creates low pressure turbulence consequently you won't get maximum airflow because of this. if you take a close look it is pretty clear the surface area of the mesh blocks close to 50% of the airflow and because of this you also reduce your chances of getting small stones and foreign objects hitting the IC. the mesh is the opposite of a shroud in it's functionality. however, if you have a degree in aerodynamics I would defer to you for explaining how all this work. btw, do you really think the mesh will protect the IC from birds or small game?

Lester · 05-27-2011, 08:16 AM

Go for this look.

jsublime · 05-27-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lester

Go for this look.

Needs a laser beam on top.

RnmEvo9 · 05-27-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsublime

Needs a laser beam on top.

Yeah that is not my cup of tea. I can see debris being a problem without the mesh, but bugs always found themselves in there even with it on. They come right off after I use the hose on it. I guess I will leave it on when I decide which fmic I want.

The1 · 05-27-2011, 11:25 AM

It's aesthetic. would cause a wee bit of turbulance, but not enough to change the power/performance of the unit considering it's on the front of the car and more air is being funneled in then it can already deal with because the air dam is bigger then the intercooler.

It may deflect a rock or two, but don't count on it to save the day.

A good practice for those getting rid of bugs and pebbles, take the garden hose in behind the radiator/intercooler area and spray water back through these units, it will push any debris foreward out of them.... if you spray from the front, you run the risk of wedging it in further...

This will help the car run at it's normal efficiency, and keep your air conditioning at it's normal efficiency. You'd be surprised how much dirt and debris comes out of these things when you do that.

don't do it while the engine is running... you really don't want the fan to turn on while your hand is in there

Vectors2final · 05-27-2011, 11:33 AM

I think the ideal protection would be from the larger rocks that like to get flung up in Texas. One of those rocks could be stopped by the mesh potentially saving the FMIC from a large dent and possibly a leak.

miiipilot · 05-27-2011, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodzilla

Probably for protection against rocks or debris.

If you don't think your car gets pounded with debris. Get on a motorcycle and drive the freeways without a helmet in various traffice conditions.

I love the look on an exposed intercooler, but I cringe at the risk of damaging a very expensive piece of equipment.

miiipilot

Kcc · 05-27-2011, 12:52 PM

The mesh shape are like the "honey comb" for photography...what they does, they make the light beam goes into a circle shape. Therefore, it might have something to do with air flow IF air works the same as light beam in that honey comb shape.

Kcc

BahamaBart · 05-27-2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixelblue

btw, do you really think the mesh will protect the IC from birds or small game?

Actually NO, but I had to have some fun with it.

V8Beatr · 05-28-2011, 06:07 AM

The mesh absolutely adds a little protection against certain road debris, my Evo front mesh was all chipped up and the IC barely touched. NO it will not stop a bird or anything large but it does benefit you (slightly) to leave it in.

Sylon · 05-28-2011, 06:23 AM

Here is a perfect example of how little that front mesh does to protect against "small game" lol. Now granted, I was doing 100mph when I collided with the fox, but I bet that mesh would do little more at 65mph.

I doubt it does a whole lot in general. Its more of a asthetic thing, allowing some minor protection from little things, that way BMW doesnt have to get pinged for warranty work every time a small dent is put into the FMIC from a stone or something.

05-26-2011, 07:54 PM	#1
RnmEvo9 Banned 247 Rep 1,827 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Pembroke Pines, FL iTrader: (2)	Does the mesh over the intercooler serve a purpose? Right now I am undecided on which FMIC I want to go with (ETS, AMS, HPF) but I was wondering if the mesh over the intercooler provides additional performance capabilities such as routing more air to the intercooler? Reason I ask is because I prefer the more aggressive look without the mesh such as this with the AMS intercooler: I am a performance oriented person, so if the mesh does indeed serve a purpose, I will leave it on after I install my FMIC that I sorely need in this Florida weather. Thanks!
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05-26-2011, 08:33 PM	#2
Rodzilla Lieutenant 31 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 2008 Montego Blue 135i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [0.00]	Probably for protection against rocks or debris. __________________ There are no impossible deeds, only incapable men. Eibach frontsway,BMS JB4,AFE Drop InBerk Street Axleback, H&R SPORT SPRINGS,Active Autowerke DP's ,Active Autowerke BOV,Active Autowerke FMIC , BMWPEDALS.COM, JB SPEED Black Grills,Alpina B3 TCU Flash
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05-26-2011, 08:40 PM	#3
pixelblue Colonel 140 Rep 2,234 Posts Drives: the silver bullet Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: northern virginia iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 135i [8.90]	Taking the mesh off will help with better air flow but you are also susceptible to stones and bugs getting stuck and subsequently reducing the performance. __________________ "I would quote everything pixelblue said, but you've already read it. Take it from someone who's put the 1 through its paces"
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05-27-2011, 07:36 AM	#5
pixelblue Colonel 140 Rep 2,234 Posts Drives: the silver bullet Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: northern virginia iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 135i [8.90]	^ the mesh creates low pressure turbulence consequently you won't get maximum airflow because of this. if you take a close look it is pretty clear the surface area of the mesh blocks close to 50% of the airflow and because of this you also reduce your chances of getting small stones and foreign objects hitting the IC. the mesh is the opposite of a shroud in it's functionality. however, if you have a degree in aerodynamics I would defer to you for explaining how all this work. btw, do you really think the mesh will protect the IC from birds or small game? __________________ "I would quote everything pixelblue said, but you've already read it. Take it from someone who's put the 1 through its paces"
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05-27-2011, 08:16 AM	#6
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Go for this look. Attached Images
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05-27-2011, 11:25 AM	#9
The1 Major General 76 Rep 5,114 Posts Drives: white 135 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: KW ontario/vancouver temporarily iTrader: (0)	It's aesthetic. would cause a wee bit of turbulance, but not enough to change the power/performance of the unit considering it's on the front of the car and more air is being funneled in then it can already deal with because the air dam is bigger then the intercooler. It may deflect a rock or two, but don't count on it to save the day. A good practice for those getting rid of bugs and pebbles, take the garden hose in behind the radiator/intercooler area and spray water back through these units, it will push any debris foreward out of them.... if you spray from the front, you run the risk of wedging it in further... This will help the car run at it's normal efficiency, and keep your air conditioning at it's normal efficiency. You'd be surprised how much dirt and debris comes out of these things when you do that. don't do it while the engine is running... you really don't want the fan to turn on while your hand is in there
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05-27-2011, 11:33 AM	#10
Vectors2final Brigadier General 1357 Rep 3,349 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 YMB/SS ZCP Join Date: May 2011 Location: Austin, Tx iTrader: (0)	I think the ideal protection would be from the larger rocks that like to get flung up in Texas. One of those rocks could be stopped by the mesh potentially saving the FMIC from a large dent and possibly a leak. __________________ 2019 Ruby GT350 - Gen 5 Whipple on corn making 855RWHP. Sold: 2018 F80 Part Deux /DCT /YMB /Full SS /CF Trim /ZCP /ZEC w/Black 666M Sold: 2015 F80 /DCT /YMB /Full SS /CF Trim /ZEC /ZLP /HK /S&TVC- 18''///M
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05-27-2011, 12:52 PM	#12
Kcc First Lieutenant 9 Rep 373 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels with a turbo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Markham, Toronto iTrader: (0)	The mesh shape are like the "honey comb" for photography...what they does, they make the light beam goes into a circle shape. Therefore, it might have something to do with air flow IF air works the same as light beam in that honey comb shape. Kcc __________________ 135i - AW
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05-28-2011, 06:07 AM	#14
V8Beatr Private 8 Rep 65 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Jax, FL iTrader: (0)	The mesh absolutely adds a little protection against certain road debris, my Evo front mesh was all chipped up and the IC barely touched. NO it will not stop a bird or anything large but it does benefit you (slightly) to leave it in. __________________ BMWP Exhaust, BMP Suspension, M3 Front Sway, Scopione CF Diffuser, 1Addicts.com sticker = + 50HP
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05-28-2011, 06:23 AM	#15
Sylon Brigadier General 189 Rep 3,435 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, SG/CR, 6MT, M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Michigan / Ohio iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 135i [9.20]	Here is a perfect example of how little that front mesh does to protect against "small game" lol. Now granted, I was doing 100mph when I collided with the fox, but I bet that mesh would do little more at 65mph. I doubt it does a whole lot in general. Its more of a asthetic thing, allowing some minor protection from little things, that way BMW doesnt have to get pinged for warranty work every time a small dent is put into the FMIC from a stone or something. __________________ 2011 BMW 135i \| Space Gray \| ///M-Sport \| BMW CCA #450291 Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Twitter
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