Do you notice minor intercooler/radiator damage from rocks, etc?

[M3 ED]

Hey guys, I'm a 2017 M3 owner (Yas Marina Blue) and had a quick question and wanted everyone's thoughts.

Right behind the front grill is the intercooler and behind that is the radiator. Have you all noticed little dent marks on the intercooler and radiator from rock chips, and other debris while driving? Just want to make sure this is common?

I'm assuming something really hard and penetrating has to hit the intercooler to really damage it correct? I've checked around for protector fences that go behind the grill however it is not recommended due to the airflow the intercooler needs. Everyone I've talked to has said not to worry, that dent marks are common and does happen to majority owners. Curious to gain your thoughts ?

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Pretty common. The metal is pretty thin to maximize cooling. How much Performance detriment occurs over time I'd be very interested to know. FWIW some road debris poked a tiny hole in my 435's oil cooler and needed replacement.

[M3 ED]

Thanks!

[georgere]

Try not to tailgate behind card in front of you. This should minimize the damage but yeah it's common and will not cause issue unless you catch some bad rock. My e90 had some imperfections like that but never leaked. Sold it after 10 years no issues.

[Ben Overlake]

Originally Posted by M3 ED

Hey guys, I'm a 2017 M3 owner (Yas Marina Blue) and had a quick question and wanted everyone's thoughts.

Right behind the front grill is the intercooler and behind that is the radiator. Have you all noticed little dent marks on the intercooler and radiator from rock chips, and other debris while driving? Just want to make sure this is common?

I'm assuming something really hard and penetrating has to hit the intercooler to really damage it correct? I've checked around for protector fences that go behind the grill however it is not recommended due to the airflow the intercooler needs. Everyone I've talked to has said not to worry, that dent marks are common and does happen to majority owners. Curious to gain your thoughts ?

Leave it b. Can’t stand some of the Home Depot contraptions people mount as grills. Looks like they belong on a chicken coop farmer style.

[FirstF80InSpace]

Very common. Even my A/C unit outside my house has rock dents on the fins. Lol.

[M3 ED]

Thanks guys, this definitely gave me a sense of comfort. Appreciate everyone's feedback.

[secretariat]

If for some reason a big enough rock penetrates the oil cooler and you start to leak oil, turn the car off immediately and wait for roadside assistance. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE!!!!

[M2 Pilot]

Originally Posted by secretariat

If for some reason a big enough rock penetrates the oil cooler and you start to leak oil, turn the car off immediately and wait for roadside assistance. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE!!!!

If this happens & you have DCT, be sure to park it in "N". Seems that I recall a previous post in which owner had to have car flat towed with DCT in "P" & that resulted in some serious damage.

[Fast4d]

I got a crap load of stone chips all over my front bumper but the coolers all look pristine except for bugs.

[Prossx]

Had to have the intercooler replaced on my F30 335i MSport due to rock gouge. Rare according to the dealership tech, but can happen. I wouldn't be too concerned as they aren't that expensive, and you could perhaps upgrade to aftermarket if it happens.

[TurnerMotorsport]

Originally Posted by secretariat

If for some reason a big enough rock penetrates the oil cooler and you start to leak oil, turn the car off immediately and wait for roadside assistance. DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE!!!!

Doesn't always take a very large rock, we've seen way way to many cars that are used year round catch small objects in the winter time and take out the oil cooler.

[shayne704]

Originally Posted by Prossx

Had to have the intercooler replaced on my F30 335i MSport due to rock gouge. Rare according to the dealership tech, but can happen. I wouldn't be too concerned as they aren't that expensive, and you could perhaps upgrade to aftermarket if it happens.

So I just took my BMW 2018 435i (5000 miles) to service and they called me to inform me that a rock went through the front grille and penetrated the radiator. So it has been leaking fluid. I only noticed this after driving it for a day or two and the A/C wasn't working. The car was not over heating or other problems. I took the car in just to fix the A/C.

Also they are now telling me that the warranty does not cover this since it is from an external source. Does anyone have any advice on what to do. They say I need to go through insurance to cover the costs.

Thank you all

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by shayne704

So I just took my BMW 2018 435i (5000 miles) to service and they called me to inform me that a rock went through the front grille and penetrated the radiator. So it has been leaking fluid. I only noticed this after driving it for a day or two and the A/C wasn't working. The car was not over heating or other problems. I took the car in just to fix the A/C.

Also they are now telling me that the warranty does not cover this since it is from an external source. Does anyone have any advice on what to do. They say I need to go through insurance to cover the costs.

Thank you all

That's what insurance is for.

[shayne704]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

That's what insurance is for.

But other people are having it taken cared of from the dealership.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by shayne704

But other people are having it taken cared of from the dealership.

...through insurance. Or out of pocket like I did with my 2015 GC coincidentally.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by shayne704

So I just took my BMW 2018 435i (5000 miles) to service and they called me to inform me that a rock went through the front grille and penetrated the radiator. So it has been leaking fluid. I only noticed this after driving it for a day or two and the A/C wasn't working. The car was not over heating or other problems. I took the car in just to fix the A/C.

Also they are now telling me that the warranty does not cover this since it is from an external source. Does anyone have any advice on what to do. They say I need to go through insurance to cover the costs.

Thank you all

If a tree fell on your car should BMW warranty it? Of course not, it is the same thing here, it sucks but it is what it is.

[RoundelM3]

FYI, the S55 engine in the M3/M4 cars does not have a front-mounted intercooler - it uses an air-to-water intercooler/heat exchanger mounted on the top side of the engine. What's behind the center grille is the main radiator, the oil cooler, and the condenser for the air conditioning system. There's also a cooler for cars equipped with DCT.

[paliknight]

Awesome. More things to worry about.