[jcy]

2017 540ix

I'm going to road trip through the NV desert this summer and I considered removing that plastic engine cover to see if it helps cool the engine temp

Any downsides or problems that you can think of?

[M5Rick]

The cover is there for a reason helping to keep sand and dirt off the top of engine. The bonnet/hood is sealed keeping the heat in anyway and putting the engine in Sport + will reduce engine oil temp.

[AWDtoRWD]

Yea what in the world? Just drive normal

Do you know how to read the temp gauge?

[Tejas1836]

As long as the ambient air temperature is lower than your coolant temp you'll be fine

[chassis]

Originally Posted by jcy

2017 540ix

I'm going to road trip through the NV desert this summer and I considered removing that plastic engine cover to see if it helps cool the engine temp

Any downsides or problems that you can think of?

What information is in your possession (please share) that gives you the notion that additional cooling is necessary and that removing the engine cover would help?

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

I'm pretty sure it's at most a marginal difference. It's there stock it can't be that bad... it helps protect things a bit.

[KevinC]

Modern cars don’t overheat simply from operating in high ambient temps. Leave it there, carry on.

[Our03z4]

I've gone through there and you'll be a-okay. It's not like your venturing through the Sahara. Dust storms are the bigger issue, I had that luck, but again just stop somewhere and no biggie. Oh and if you go through AZ watch out for tumbleweeds, they come across at mach speed and can weigh up to 150lbs. One nailed the side of my car and left some nice rub marks.

[chris719]

As others have mentioned, it won't be a problem. Even if you had a terrible cooling system, removing a plastic engine cover is going to do absolutely nothing.

[overcoil]

American southwest is where manufactures come to high-temperature test ?

I’d certainly chk battery. Carry water and if like my 2015 N55 carry spare part: 17 12 8 570 061 - hose. Probably carry a spare engine and cabin filter. But I’ve never been so I could be way off

[chassis]

jcy what is your itinerary and route through the NV desert?

[E90convert]

Your car was likely abuse tested in that desert. Fully loaded down, and probably also on a private desert race track. No need to do anything special for driving in hot weather.

[wtwo3]

I'd go one step further. Completely remove the hood and front bumper.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I'd go one step further. Completely remove the hood and front bumper.

thats it

i say leave just the powertrain and sit on the plastic cover

[BMWinAZ]

I live in AZ with very similar summer temperatures to NV, neither my e90 nor my f30 have ever overheated (knock on wood). Both cars have the plastic engine cover firmly in place at all times. With that said, if you want to remove it, go ahead and do so, it really serves no practical purpose whatsoever other than shielding the eyes of the mechanically uninclined from the “mess” of wiring harness and fuel rails and the likes. Being old, I vividly remember a time, when no car had an engine cover and we all had to actually stare at the reality of a real engine!

[unluky]

Would it hurt? No - that is there for looks more than anything. Will it help? Nope. It's fine - the designed it to cool itself you won't have any issues.

Don't over think it - some cars live their whole lives in those conditions - no sweat.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by jcy

2017 540ix

I'm going to road trip through the NV desert this summer and I considered removing that plastic engine cover to see if it helps cool the engine temp

Any downsides or problems that you can think of?

Won't do any.

[ashmostro]

Brutal...

[Rux]

Stop the car first. Opening the hood while in motion is dangerous.