Side Gill Lid

[6MT M3]

So we all know the side gills are fake but what I found when I was changing to the edition black chrome gills are that the gills have a cover. That cover basically blocks the gill for being a vent and when it is removed I guess it would somewhat work. Are there anything bad if it is removed? I felt the inside air when the gill was removed and it was warm/hot and I could see some light in there which means air from the engine or bottom of the car must reach there. If there isnt a downside why arent people doing it? I did a quit search and found nothing. If there is a previous thread please post it so I can read it and I dont care if this is the 100th time its ask...

[BimmerRob08]

Interesting. I'm waiting for my custom painted gills from JleviSW (orderd Satin Black) and when they arrive I'm going to swop them out. I never realy looked far into the gill but I thought it was a vent.

I wonder if removing it would cause noise at speed or crap and debrie to start dirtying up the side of the car. Post what you find. I guess you can allways put it back on if there are problems.

[6MT M3]

Originally Posted by BimmerRob08

Interesting. I'm waiting for my custom painted gills from JleviSW (orderd Satin Black) and when they arrive I'm going to swop them out. I never realy looked far into the gill but I thought it was a vent.

I wonder if removing it would cause noise at speed or crap and debrie to start dirtying up the side of the car. Post what you find. I guess you can allways put it back on if there are problems.

Lol finally someone replied. Yeah theres no modifications so it is 100% reversible but I dont see any negative side effects. I do see my engine oil temp drop a bit but I think thats just me thinking too much.

[Space Ghost]

You sir are a pioneer! I salute your ingenuity. Finally, a new mod that may be functional.

[Templar]

Originally Posted by BimmerRob08

I wonder if removing it would cause noise at speed or crap and debrie to start dirtying up the side of the car. Post what you find. I guess you can allways put it back on if there are problems.

You're probably right. If you can see light inside, rain and debris kicked up from the front tires will probably enter the gill and fly down the sides of the car. Not a huge deal to some, but to others it probably is.

Still interesting though!

[6MT M3]

Originally Posted by Space Ghost

You sir are a pioneer! I salute your ingenuity. Finally, a new mod that may be functional.

lol thanks, its just a simple removal of a cap haha..

Originally Posted by Templar

You're probably right. If you can see light inside, rain and debris kicked up from the front tires will probably enter the gill and fly down the sides of the car. Not a huge deal to some, but to others it probably is.

Still interesting though!

Yeah its true debris may fly out and get onto the exterior of the car but we'll see I am still testing it. For those who think dirt will get in there because of that... i find it highly unlikely because if I can see light inside... chances are dirt and stuff will get into the car from there too... plus I believe last time I looked I can see the ground...

[leemik]

LOL i actually lost one of my "caps" in 2009 when I was DIY painting my gills alpine white..over the course of ~3 years, the ///M3 sticker on the side i lost the cap on is filthy dirty and looks worn.. the other side has faired much better..

[6MT M3]

Originally Posted by leemik

LOL i actually lost one of my "caps" in 2009 when I was DIY painting my gills alpine white..over the course of ~3 years, the ///M3 sticker on the side i lost the cap on is filthy dirty and looks worn.. the other side has faired much better..

I think they get filthy regardless. My oem silver ones with over 37k mi look pretty beat up too

[stefan]

Interesting.. I didn't realize it was that simple to make them functional.