BMW’s Active Kidney Grill

Going over questions we get about the Active Kidney grills in our BMWs. Music by www.bensound.com BMW 5 Series pictures from BMWNA’s TIS G32 Manual.

[@Henry-qh5zf]

Great video and well explained👍🏼 thank you 😊

[@gabetermine3599]

Actual thorough explanation 🤌

[@mixmasterkevan8501]

Thanks,i was always trying to figure out what makes it open

[@kabir.dhingra]

Good to know that when you go into sport mode, it still stays shut for better aerodynamic benefits, until needed.

[@glendonwilliams6018]

But I only drive in eco efficient

[@kabir.dhingra]

@@glendonwilliams6018 drive in sport more!

[@michaelfleming5075]

Something’s worth knowing is that when enabling sport modes, the target engine temperature is different than when in non sport modes. In my M550i while on cruise control, 7th gear on flat highway, the sport mode kept the engine temperature around 193F while adaptive and comfort sustained temps around 215F

[@BMWofFW]

That is true! Only reason i didn’t get into that level of specifics is because the operating temps differ between engines.

[@GravityEgg]

hi, u meant oil temp on dash or the coolant temp shows on hidden meum?

[@anthonygaleano2185]

I have a 330i 2022 and I have never seen them open even after it being hot on my way home. I always thought it was wack but I didn’t know they opened so I guess its alright.

[@iTsBlue2]

I was wondering why the kidney grill was closed on the newer BMW.

[@smijosebastian5786]

I have 2019 model 518 d.. If the kidney grill shutter closed how to open... Is there any button?

[@cardoctor3199]

Good to know thanks! I thought my car had problem with the grill

[@Henry-qh5zf]

I’m with you 🤦🏼‍♂️🤣

[@130checker]

Does anyone have any idea where the fuse for the Active Grill is on a G11/G12???

[@redl5705]

any idea what "realy cold" is ? im trying to open them to make some pictures but its currently around 1°c here and max AC doesnt seem to do much

[@BMWofFW]

If my memory serves me right, I believe the really cold for a car is 5degrees C where ambient temperature will lower standard operating temperatures to optimal running temps.

[@eagleeye8916]

So the only benifet being closed is for aerodynamics ? I think it being open at all times would keep temps cooler at all times just like pre lci models

[@BMWofFW]

depending on wind chill and outside temperatures keeping all open would be a detriment to the cars economy, if you only need to chill your drink you don't lock it in a freezer ya know?

[@djsity]

Great video thanks for posting. I recently ordered a 2022 X4 and I don't think it's coming with the active grill. Is this a feature that was stopped during the covid chip shortage?

[@BMWofFW]

depends on the model... the X4 M40i has an open grill instead of an active one.

[@djsity]

@@BMWofFW it’s a 30i with the m sport package

[@skyrocket7487]

@@djsity my parents got an x4 20d m sport and it has the active grill. It’s closed most of the time but after driving and parking up it is open when you get out and you can see the radiator but when you come back it’s closed again by itself as it has cooled down.

[@innocentnxumalonxumalo808]

Are these kidney grills standard on all G20 models including the basic 3 series? My friend says those grills are optional.

[@BMWofFW]

Every single BMW outside of the X1, X2, and M cars have these grills…

[@peteramato8941]

I saw the engine symbol on my dash. 2019 BMW 540I. I was told that I needed to change the upper grill. Is the symbol the result of the grill not opening? What if I do not change it/ fix it?

[@bigkevinpetrona]

Same here my CEL came on my bmw said its a fault with the grill and need to be changed probably the motor. Hate this new feature.

[@AZSTAR786]

I have x4 M 2019 and recently the cold went upto -20 and i noticed my grillie has opened and its not closing back again since 2 days. I park my car outside in snow. Does it need replacement? It was working all good until now or may be its the cold weather? Do we have any options in setting to active or deactivate it or close or open it? I would be very thankful if u can guide me .

[@BMWofFW]

the X4 M doesn't have any slots in the grill itself,

[@AZSTAR786]

@@BMWofFW so it will be fixed ifself? Or need a replacement?

[@JL-po3wl]

I have a question, does any have a problem with half open before starting the engine? I saw mine this morning with half open. Is that a problem? I got a 2020-2021 X3

[@BMWofFW]

Nope, the opening actuators do tests on themselves from time to time

[@JL-po3wl]

@@BMWofFW so if its half open in the morning, which mean there is a problem?

[@eddiedominguez1816]

Does the active grill affect your A/C? I have a 2018 528I and i dont believe its working and my Ac isn^t cooling. I went to autozone and the put the diagnostic machine on it and it read that it wasn't working. Can i drive my car still? And is it expensive to fix? If anyone can help id appreciate it

[@BMWofFW]

so it does help with your A/C by opening up and increasing airflow over the condenser, they're not overly expensive to fix but they take a little work to get to (that's what you'll pay for the most... )

[@FelcSE]

Is there any way to keep them open at all times on my G21 330e? I want to put a LED bar in the grille

[@BMWofFW]

Unfortunately no… there are the override options mentioned in the video but otherwise they’re reacting to conditions dictated by the cars ECU, not by driver input or specific drive modes. If you want and are willing to spend the extra money, getting the illuminated kidney grill from BMW will allow you to turn the illumination on and off regardless of whether the slats are open or not.

[@FelcSE]

@@BMWofFW okay that's a bummer. Thank you anyway for a fast answer and great video!

[@skwaihee]

@@BMWofFW mine stays opened even the next day. This only happens after I changed my engine oil.

[@collsguy]

Mine stay closed all the time. What gives? Is there a way to manually check to see if it works?

[@samanali6539]

My G11 stays closed all the time. Should I be worried? I’ve made my researches and nothing on a DIY fix.

[@bigkevinpetrona]

If it doesn't throw a CEL then you are good. Mine opened up when I drove it in sport mode slightly hard. When I was parked it was open and fans running.

[@smijosebastian5786]

Thanks for your reply. If it is open always how to close it. The same MAX AC button will be used. Kindly reply pls

[@BMWofFW]

It will close as needed. No worries on manually doing it

[@smijosebastian5786]

It was open for so many days then one day I saw its closed... I don't know is this working properly. Now it is closed.. Is there any problem if its closed for long time..

[@elninojimmy3631]

Hey I have bmw x3 m Am mines isn’t closing so now the check engine light is on have recommended problem solving ideas?

[@BMWofFW]

X3 M doesn’t have active grills, are you getting any warning or detailed explaination of the code? Or is it just the engine light?

[@elninojimmy3631]

Just engine light (BMW x3 M40i)

[@donhaher1539]

What happens when if gets packed with snow and ice and freezes shut?

[@BMWofFW]

you kinda answered your own question there, it freezes shut. however when the system detects resistance it stops trying to open it automatically to prevent damage.

[@X33RKS]

I need help with which fuse it is for the grill motor. Please

[@BMWofFW]

not entirely sure TBH. I'll see what i can find out for you!

[@X33RKS]

@@BMWofFW thank you I’ve been all over the internet searching and still nothing. Thanks

[@faisalal-shammari5251]

The active kidney grill motor in my car dysfunction so I had to unplug the wire to leave it open all the time is there a problem or anything to leave it open all the time

[@BMWofFW]

not at all... you'll loose a little efficiency with it but otherwise no.

[@X33RKS]

How did you remove it?

[@bmwsincekid]

Just unplugged the cable??

[@firasalrawi2698]

My car is bmw series 7 2018- and the grille keeps opening did not close Even if the car is turned off. what the reason

[@BMWofFW]

Best guess would be the heat from the engine requires extended cooling after turning off the car… Similar to a turbo timer and will only stay open when needed

[@firasalrawi2698]

@@BMWofFW Thank you very much for your reply But it continued to be open, and never closed, even after days had passed, it was still open Do you think there is an electrical problem? Or maybe a problem with the fuse?

[@stirfish]

@@firasalrawi2698 Mine has been open for days and I'll be at the dealer for a service in 2000 miles and they can check it then. My research online says that the motors for opening and closing the grill can stop working and are replaced under warranty, it also seems that there isn't always a warning light on the dash to say there is a problem. I have seen contradicting information on that final point.

[@salnicolosi9008]

Is there a way to test if my grill is functioning?

[@BMWofFW]

get in your car, turn it on on a hot day, crank that MAX AC button and come out and watch it open!

[@smijosebastian5786]

If it is closed how to open it.. Is there any button? Kindly reply pls

[@BMWofFW]

You can hit max a/C button to open it :)

[@erenaslan7881]

They are saying that this grill style is good for car guys ask them then why they dont use at m models let me tell you why this this is may 😅 reduce your performance if you guys read the bmw forms every person that have this grills trying to remove if you dont know what is m. M models are expensive models in bmw sory for my English but i cant stop my self if you guys going with 180 mph the we need that type of aerodynamic but many people go 20-85 so we need more quick acceleration (I have M340i which I have this grill but i will remove )

[@BMWofFW]

The difference between these and M models is the engines... the S series engine makes a LOT more heat than the equivilent B series engine, M cars also being track focused need to have constant cooling ability. I'd also argue that if you've got an M car, efficiency isn't really as much a concern for you.

[@jasonh5220]

This will be a big problem in very hot and humid country I'm in.

[@BMWofFW]

BMW's pretty smart... they change calibrations based on country of delivery

[@gabrielekairyte8798]

Can i drive short distances without the grill. Someone stole mine...

[@BMWofFW]

Of course

[@B1boi]

Another way for the plastic parts to deteriorate and become brittle over time.

[@BMWofFW]

yes liquid nitrogen will work at making it an M grill with no backing :P

[@newfinishautospa]

Why would you want to turn on MAX AC just to have the vents open? Oh…that’s right…you wouldn’t.

[@stirfish]

To see if they work?

[@lallen968]

are they have extended warranty?

[@BMWofFW]

they are part of the normal factory warrantee yes. if you purchase extended warrantee they are covered under that.

[@jrod2422ify]

What if it stays closed no matter what lol.

[@BMWofFW]

it shouldn't.... unless you live in the artic and head sink isn't an issue at all hahah

[@nia7g]

Then check fuse or consider the motor being shot.

[@thanosvariant4x4]

I just removed it 🤷‍♂️

[@constantorca8145]

Once I hear him say that they don’t open when you go in sport they lost me💀

[@katzi1111]

How stupid is this feature lol just creating more hustle for me to go to the dealers to fix this crap . Unbelievable ! Thums up for the vid tho . Thx

[@truxton1000]

Terrible system. Full stop. Just bought a 6 month old 520d, check engine light came on on my FIRST drive in the car, back to the dealer with what I think is a faulty shutter. Very very disappointing in the car that only has 3000 miles on it, will I have to get these terrible things repaired every 6 months? Maybe.

[@BMWofFW]

We don’t sell that model over here :/

[@truxton1000]

@@BMWofFW Well the shutter system is the same across the models so same problem as it’s designed very cheap and will break very quickly.

[@jasonh5220]

Sounds like pushing mechanical life to its limits. Not good at all.

[@SnGrg]

This feels like a gimmick to me.

[@BMWofFW]

it's actually extremely efficient over all, being able to adjust not only aerodynamics on a whim but also increase cooling efficiency as needed greatly increased the cars overall efficiency.

[@BMWofFW]

... that was a lot of efficient talk in a short amount of time

[@skwaihee]

@@BMWofFW Mercedes don't have this feature?

[@emrex6977]

Pointless

[@BMWofFW]

You’re right, class leading power:efficiency ratio, totally useless.

[@emrex6977]

@@BMWofFW when is broken you will pay more for repairs than you save on fuel think logic

[@truxton1000]

@@BMWofFW It IS useless, just bought a 6 month old 520d and this system is already broken. The car has 5000 miles on it. I can picture myself calling the dealer up every 6 months to get it fixed. Yes a “great” feature.

[@kenouif]

Video would of been better without that annoying music

[@BMWofFW]

yeha i was finding my groove back when this was made... lots of people at the time said "add music... it will help" 🙄