500E/E500 wiper filler panels
 

Anybody still making/selling these? Guido? For those who have them, can you describe the performance benefits? Is there any danger of water being sucked into the intake during rainy weather? I'm more than willing to sacrifice my headlamp wipers, but I want to confirm that there is some actual benefit to this mod.

Thanks for bringing this up again Daesun, I've been thinking about the previous thread on this for some time. Seems like great updgrade for our poor-breathing M119's. Although living in Seattle, I'd sure like to know if there are adverse affects from rain water getting sucked in.

Regards,
- Ryan - also still interested in wiper filler panels.

I have been pondering the idea of making them for a while. I dont have a 500E, but my neighbor does. I looked at the intake system and it has drains in the bottom of the plastic behind the headlight so any moisture coming in as rain will hit the back wall and run down and drain out assuming the drains are clean. You dont have to sacrifice your headlight wipers to have them because it just takes more work to make the cut outs for the wipers, and for the clearances. Pretty much, that intake system is very restrictive of air moving in because all the air travels in a 1mm gap between the bumper and the wiper filler pannels already, so anything is better than that. If you want me to make some for you let me know.

Austin

louvered
 

I am having a set louvered, as I compose this reply; I dislike the appearance of the milled/drilled/filled ones (no offense to those who have completed said mod).

I prfer the louvered look/solution because:

- is does not afford direct access (for debris)
- it looks like *no* mod, at a glance
- it scoops air in

Just my $0.02; I'll post pics when I'm done with the paint-work.

Kind regards,

scott,

Louvered, that means punching the holes in like a/c ducts in a house. You are punching them so that they push the air up right?

Austin

louvering
 

that is correct (the openings face the ground).

I have my dad-in-law working for me now...he made the 3 hole wiper panel slots for me...and said he can do just about any shape (except for real louvres), those would be tougher...if anyone is interested e-mail me...they certainly won't cost as much as the other guys...maybe $50 un-painted..maybe $125 painted...I'll try to post a pic. I think they look trick but as for sucking more air I'm not convinced...at least not on a normally aspirated car.

reminder
 

Be aware that, unless you bring your vehicle over to Jim's shop, any painted items will NOT be color-matched...

: )

I don't think they help noticeably, but Hartmut Feyhl from RENNtech specifically stated that his cars saw a gain on the dyno with the vented panels; however, that's on a 6.0 litre motor with aggressive cams.

I think this is primarily an aesthetic modification, so do as you please (I like my Stainless Steel mesh, which is a clear Bentley ripoff). I do recommend you use some sort of screen on the backside to prevent sucking in big chunks of debris.

Good luck to all:cool:

thank you, Michael
 

I LOVE the Bentley (Arnage)... well, who DOESN'T!?!?!?

Thanks for the tip; as I write this, small holes are being drilled into the rear of the panels
(no mesh, since holes are stronger, structurally, for these realtively flimsy panels).

I hope to paint, clearcoat, and mount them in the next 10 business days.

: D

I have a question.....Can't you just run flexable plastic tubes from the Air-Box down to the bumper (next to the foglights) and suck up air from there..cus thats what I've been planing to do....

Anyone?

Thanks,
Albert S.

nooooooooooooooo!!!
 

well... yes; however, this (discussed) mod is to cool the BRAKES; the airbox already has adequate air-flow from the rear headlamp-cover intake tubes...

; )

Re: nooooooooooooooo!!!
 

ooooops :D:D:D:D I really should start reading a thread from the begining befor I post:D:D:D

But Scott, you don't thing I'ts a good Idea for the air-box?

my $0.02
 

absolutely NOT.

it will introduce contamination, possibly...

Re: my $0.02
 

what if I put some kida circlular filter inside the tube? so noting extra goes in........