[ted99]

When I took my 2020 530e in for it's first annual service, the service writer said it had thrown codes associated with malfunction of the auto grill slats. Replaced under warranty--requires removal of the front bumper. Just a heads up as I had no idea that there was a problem. Service writer said it was very common.

[Scotty B]

verrry common. think they are warrantied for at least a decade now.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by Scotty B

verrry common. think they are warrantied for at least a decade now.

They are now warranted for 15Y, but ironically the MY2020 is not yet included in that extended warranty period. It is only up to MY2019. So if it is common on the MY2020 as well ideally they'll extend this coverage to it as well.

So far, my grills have been OK *knock on wood*

[moscab]

Is there a way to know if the grill slats are working properly on a MY2020?
I mean there's no way to know if slats are open while driving.
Any status flag somewhere hidden in Idrive 7?

[Nadz]

if you have been for a "spirited" drive, if the engine is hot or if you have been through a PDF regen, then when you stop the car you should have the fan on (sounds quite loud) and when this is the case the flaps will be open. the fan will go off after a while and when you next start the car you should hear / see the flaps closing (assuming that the engine is cold when you restart)

Originally Posted by moscab

Is there a way to know if the grill slats are working properly on a MY2020?
I mean there's no way to know if slats are open while driving.
Any status flag somewhere hidden in Idrive 7?

[hlothery]

Add me to the list. Got a check engine light last Saturday, which stayed on all day. Checked tha gas cap, of course. No other alerts, and the car drove fine. Light disappeared on Sunday, but since this great forum had made me aware of the active shutter problems, I took it in, and the lower shutters were replaced under warranty yeaterday. I have almost 37K on my 2019 M550I.

[ted99]

Yes--service writer told me that one indication is a check engine light, but that the light doesn't stay on after recycling the on/off button, or put a message in the car status screen. But, it does throw a code the service tech can read.

[hlothery]

Beginning to wonder if the shutters are really necessary. But that's just me. Also wonder what would have happened if I had just ignored it, or if I (or someone less attentive) had not noticed the light for the period it was on. But, not willing to bet my M550 on those musings.

[ted99]

I suppose the important thing is if the shutters fail open or closed. If open, I'd wait until my next service. Easy enough to see if they are open or closed from a visual inspection. If they fail open and the car is cold and shutters are open, then there is a problem. If they fail closed, or could be in either position, we have a problem with visual inspection. I suppose they really need to be open in hot climate and at speed. Be bad if one had an overheat condition during an interstate trip and had to stop for service out of area.

[paquet]

my (limited) understanding thus far is:

- closed when car is cold/warming up to maximize heat in engine bay
- open while driving (as required - supposedly the engine electronics figure out when to open/close)
- open while car is running and idling

that's all i've figured out so far. am curious what relays/things are used to open/close

[dberry08]

I’ve noticed my right grill is out of place occasionally when I arrive after a drive, is it possible the active shutter is popping it out? There doesn’t appear to be any cosmetic damage that would cause this.

[ted99]

I don't know any more than I have posted. Evidently, no one looking at this post knows if the slats "fail" in a particular position, or if it's failure-mode dependent. So, if I'm planning an interstate trip before my next service, I'll have to take my wife's car to dealer for a check for codes. It did flash a "check engine light", but then went out.

[paquet]

you could also log into the BMW Connected portal/site and request data (they provide fault codes) that you can look up.
And then take it to the dealer.

[Rodders2018]

Fault code appears to be P05B1.... argh.

I have been struck.

[rts2101]

Originally Posted by packet

you could also log into the BMW Connected portal/site and request data (they provide fault codes) that you can look up.
And then take it to the dealer.

Can you explain how to do that. I logged into the Portal and saw my vehicle and subscriptions, but did not see how to get codes.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by rts2101

Can you explain how to do that. I logged into the Portal and saw my vehicle and subscriptions, but did not see how to get codes.

My guess is they are noting you can request a BMW CarData report which will contain fault information the car has sent back to BMW.

https://connecteddrive.bmwusa.com/ap...portal/cardata

[paquet]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

My guess is they are noting you can request a BMW CarData report which will contain fault information the car has sent back to BMW.

https://connecteddrive.bmwusa.com/ap...portal/cardata

you're right!
https://connecteddrive.bmwusa.com/ap...intern/archive is where i am at the moment

[TreyWaters]

Originally Posted by moscab

Is there a way to know if the grill slats are working properly on a MY2020?
I mean there's no way to know if slats are open while driving.
Any status flag somewhere hidden in Idrive 7?

I'm assuming no difference between MY2020 and MY2018, but the slats do an open/close cycle when you first start the car. So, have someone start the car while you watch from the front, and you can see if they open and close properly.

[rts2101]

I get the following in my fault memory. Any idea how to decode?

97,B7F343;97,31786;64,804081;

[paquet]

go to https://bmwfault.codes/ and punch each code in

[Nadz]

Originally Posted by TreyWaters

I'm assuming no difference between MY2020 and MY2018, but the slats do an open/close cycle when you first start the car. So, have someone start the car while you watch from the front, and you can see if they open and close properly.

I have had a car with the slats for years and didn't know they did the open close cycle at start!

[BMW 520d]

Good day to all of you! My first post, new here .

I just had some software update and now, the active grill (which was not working for a year) is doing an open/close sequence each time I lock or unlock the car. Even if it is the trunk being open, same thing.

Is this normal? At the service they said no, but I find other post, so not sure if if it is, and do not want to go again at the shop...

P.s. before breaking, they were closed all tbe time apart from when tbe fan was runing. No movment when you started the car...

Thanks.