Why was the active grille shutter removed from the x3?
2 Answers
x3 removed the active grille shutter mainly because it could get stuck with debris, causing short circuits during car washing. Here is some extended information about the BMW x3: 1. Body dimensions: The BMW x3 has a length of 4717mm, width of 1891mm, height of 1689mm, and a wheelbase of 2864mm. 2. Powertrain: It is equipped with a 2.0TL4 engine featuring turbocharged intake, delivering a maximum horsepower of 184ps and a maximum torque of 290nm. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic with manual mode, and the top speed is 210 kilometers per hour.
I've been driving BMWs for years and noticed that the new X3 has removed the active grille shutters, mainly to control costs, allowing the manufacturer to save on parts and installation expenses. The active grille shutters are designed to automatically close under high wind resistance to improve fuel efficiency, but in reality, the effect is minimal, especially in city driving where the difference is negligible. They are also prone to malfunction and getting stuck. BMW probably deemed them not worth the added complexity and potential maintenance hassle. After the removal, the vehicle is lighter, maintenance is simpler, and the price is slightly lower. I haven't noticed any difference in driving, though fuel consumption might be slightly higher. However, the engine's smoothness and other new features like smart driving assistance are more appealing. In short, car manufacturers often make trade-offs in details, and cost-saving is a common strategy. Owners shouldn't worry too much about such minor sacrifices.
