I understand WHAT the difference in euro grills is but...

[Jand3rson]

WHY are they different? I know the reason they are blocked off more is to direct air over different areas, but where does it to direct it to, and why?

And why are they continuous across the top unlike the "broken" US grills?

[nando]

the US DOT probably thought that the "eyelid" was dangerous because it blocked a little bit of the light from the sealed-beams that US E30s use.

and if you think about it, a little bit less light from sealed beams makes a hell of a difference :P

but seriously, I have no idea...

[KenC]

Instead of having all of the slats open on the grille, only the ones that are in front of the radiator are open. Thus all the air that comes through the grilles is directed at the radiator.

*My US grilles are cut that way too. I guess some of the 318s were.

[Ryan Stewart]

the man might have a point.

The actual ariflow part is jsut tighter around the radiator. Prolly making less concern for cars with AC since it was an option in europe. Being said my AC works better with the euro fornt end.

The top of the grille might be for the light or it might be structural. On euro grilles the part behind the low beam top slat is cut out. Its a big 2x2 hole to get to the citylight. Maybe they needed the solid slat to make it rigid enough.

I am sure there is some DOT explanation for it. They seemed to think they needed to meddle in EVERY aspect of a car. Funny how half the stuff was rescinded when they decided it served no purpose.