Front bumper vents different on 2005 Mk5 Golf GTI?

[rally_mad]

During shopping for a GTI I have noticed many 2005 cars have a slightly different front bumper with vents next to the fog lights.

What are they for?

Why were they deleted from subsequent models?


Here is a 2005 car with vents in the front bumper
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/GTiCrow/PA200019.jpg

Heres is a 2006 onwards car without vents
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/28089/images/OPI/vwgolfgtimk5.jpg

[betty_swollox]

american ones maybe?

[rally_mad]

Hi betty_swollox the ones available here in New Zealand are mostly Japanese imports. Some were sold here brand new.

[betty_swollox]

No i mean american parts, not american cars mate


Quite a few people buy US spec parts etc.

have a search

[rally_mad]

Hi betty_swollox ah true! Did a search and found these http://www.oemplus.com/foglamp-grills-gligti-open-p-187.html

They appear to be ducted only on one side.

[betty_swollox]

Hopefully someone will post on here for you tomorrow (its the middle of the night over here haha!!)

[rally_mad]

Hi betty_swollox I think I've found an answer here http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=90396.0

To summarize nobody really knows and it doesn't matter.

Suggested theories:
- there was going to be an extra radiator on the LHS but that was never needed
- it allows things to be open to the elements and therefore be more susceptible to damage or corrosion
- it was changed to non-vented to reduce cost or improve aesthetics

[J400uk]

I'd never spotted this before. Suspect it was a cost related change

[Carbon Goodies]

Could it be for extra brake cooling?

[MC71]

There were on the first load of Mk5's over here. They then realised they weren't required so switched to the solid ones. They have a removable back to them so in hot country's they could be removed to aid cooling.

I have a set that I've had on my car for ages as aesthetically i preference the look of them. Pretty rare to see a full set nowadays.

Mine.....

[Markyed30]

Is it not to aid cooling to the dsg rad in hot climates?