m-tech 1 front valance questions

[mikejungle]

hi.
just got an m-tech 1 front valance this past weekend and i had a few questions.

does the bottom lip tilt upwards toward the middle when it's not mounted? i thought it would lay flat, but it juts out like a fat lip. but i can't tell if it's just warped or that's just what the piece is like pre-mount. does anyone have pictures of an oem m-tech 1 valance when it's not mounted? thanks.

and what are the four vents in the middle for? do people usually cut em out or leave em on? and how do you cut em out?

[kronus]

Depending on the way the valence was stored, it may be warped. It should straighten out when you mount it to a euro bumper. (if need be, with the assistance of a heat gun)

The four vents in the middle are.. vents. Your stock valence has them too. They vent stuff. In most MtechI installs I've seen, they're not cut out.

[mikeedler]

they are cut out on 325i cars, or cars with AC-- just like the stock inner valance. the lower 2 are for the oil cooler, and the upper 2 for the A/C condensor
i am sure it is warped, but after mounting I am sure it will lay correctly again.-- If there is a body shop in the area, you can ask them to throw it in the booth while they are drying a car- it will def. straighten out then.

[mikejungle]

thanks, that's reassuring :P

[Jean]

Lucky dog! Do you have a euro metal valance on your car already?

[mikejungle]

ok. another question. is it aerodynamically/functionally favorable to cut out the vents? in the august issue of performance bmw, there's a 4 door warsteiner e30 with all 4 vents cut out in the 325i tuning guide. what about aesthetically?
and again...how do you cut em out?
were there any stamps or labels on the m-tech 1 valences?

and i've got the euro bumpers (which need straightening), but no euro valence. do i need it? it seems like people say i don't need it. Does it even attach to the m-tech 1 piece in any way?
yeah...the airdam was a little pricey, but i feel a little reassured knowing that it's oem and that it won't crack. haha.

[kronus]

You don't need the euro valence. The mtechI valence attached to the bumper.

No stamps/labels on the front valence. There are places on the sideskirts where M-Technik stickers go.

Cutting out the vents will produce negligible aerodynamic effect. However, it will assist cooling if you are having heat issues. You can cut them out with a Dremel... carefully.

Aesthetically, you're the judge. It's your car, and up to you to decide whether you think it looks better with the vents cut or uncut. Granted, people will have opinions about the vents, but your opinion is the more important one.

[Nicademus]

I wouldn't cut it. In my opinion it will effect the value and I like them uncut.

[mikejungle]

okay. did real euro m-tech 1 325's come from the factory cut, or uncut?

[Jean]

You don't need the euro valence. The mtechI valence attached to the bumper.

Are you 100% sure about that? We are talking about front valance here, not rear.

[mikejungle]

^are you sure that it is needed? I've heard most people say it isn't...and i don't really know where it would attach to the valence.

maybe i'll just cut out the lower ones...

[Jean]

^are you sure that it is needed? I've heard most people say it isn't...and i don't really know where it would attach to the valence.

maybe i'll just cut out the lower ones...

Just wanted to check with you as I am going the same route (m-tech1 front/rear) and I've asked a few people and was told the front metal euro valance is needed but not sure why....

[Jesse30]

Are you 100% sure about that? We are talking about front valance here, not rear.

its attached to the bumper. :) no euro valence needed

[T3rd Ferguson]

no euro valence needed, i'm quite sure :)

Those vents help if you have an oil cooler. if not, don't bother.

I had an oil cooler but the valence was kept whole from the factory so i didnt mess with it

[T3rd Ferguson]

okay. did real euro m-tech 1 325's come from the factory cut, or uncut?

uncut, to answer your question again