[F32Boost]

Whats purpose of plastic engine cover , for looks ?


To keep hood from getting too hot ?


Does it makes sense to leave it on, vs removing it so engine can breath/ cool better ???

[Mike_L]

It keeps the sound down. The heat difference with it on vs off isn't that significant. I've checked manifold and valve cover temps with an IR thermometer and with my thermal camera and and its maybe 5-10 degrees difference on the VC, even less on the manifold. The N55 is an ugly engine, like most inline OHC motors, so the cover makes it prettier.

Thermal pics with the cover should be here.

[Element]

Looks and sound deadening. Remove it and you'll hear far more noise from the direct injection system.

[Lowon]

Honestly it's mostly for looks, maybe a bit for sound deadening but it is a just a plastic piece, so it'll probably offer little to no thermal insulation for the motor.

[Mike_L]

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick

[Vorsprung_CJB]

It's the only thing holding the coils down besides friction.

[Lowon]

Originally Posted by Vorsprung_CJB

It's the only thing holding the coils down besides friction.

Lol then all the n54 single turbo guys without the cover are in risk then, along with direct port meth guys.

[dt20011]

Originally Posted by Mike_L

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick

This ^^^^^

[Vorsprung_CJB]

Maybe it isn't as much of an issue on this platform. My old VW had coils that went in similar to these and they would sometimes pop up a bit, which is why the Audi versions had metal hold downs later on.

[M1353000]

What aout the black foam on the underside of the bonnet its self? I noticed the M3/4's or M2 doesn't have it.. Just raw metal exposed.

[Mike_L]

Not sure about on these cars, but the underhood pads used to be used as flame arrestors. They were held on by plastic pins, and when the pins melted, the blanket would fall on the fire, smothering and extinguishing it.

[Lowon]

Originally Posted by Mike_L

Not sure about on these cars, but the underhood pads used to be used as flame arrestors. They were held on by plastic pins, and when the pins melted, the blanket would fall on the fire, smothering and extinguishing it.

lol I didnt realize that, but the M cars dont have this feature. Nor do the carbon bonnets.

[M1353000]

It's very interesting.. Would love to know why, Im tempted to take mine off but have also heard it's a heat shield.. So Im concerned if doing so will effect the paint? I doubt it will sound like a tractor as the M2 sounds fine and shares almost identical engine bay

[Lowon]

The m2 has the engine cover though. But no hood dampener.