Why was the active grille shutter removed from the x3?
4 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.
As a young car enthusiast, I was quite curious when I found out the X3 no longer has the active grille shutters. BMW might have removed it to simplify the overall design. The function of active grille shutters is to regulate airflow to reduce drag, theoretically saving fuel, but the effect is only noticeable at high speeds—hardly any difference in daily driving. Manufacturers cutting corners can reduce maintenance efforts, avoid complaints about electronic component failures, and instead focus on cooler tech like hybrid systems. For novice owners like me, this change doesn’t affect the daily driving experience—it still starts smoothly and looks cool, with a more affordable price tag. Occasionally, fuel consumption might be slightly higher, but the difference in city commutes is minimal, so there’s no need to stress over the minor impact of this reduction.
As an auto mechanic, I've often seen active grille shutters malfunction, causing headaches during repairs. BMW's decision to remove them actually reduces potential failure points. These components control airflow to improve aerodynamics, but their motors are prone to jamming or wiring issues, increasing customer costs. By eliminating them, manufacturers save on supply chain expenses while improving vehicle reliability; it means one less repair hassle for me, saving significant time. Though there might be a slight increase in fuel consumption, it's negligible for most owners; real-world driving differences are minimal, and BMW might have freed up space for other safety systems. In repair shops, we generally welcome such simplifications - they mean faster repairs and more income.
