Issues After Removing Bumper Foam For B8.5 RS4 Grill

[azw131]

I installed my RS grill on 2013 S4 last week and have been extremely happy with it. I, like most others, did not reinstall the upper grill support and bumper foam from the OEM bumper. My question is if anyone has experienced problems down the line from leaving these parts off, or if I should be concerned about what happens if I get into a crash. I know this is probably me just being paranoid, but I figured it is worth asking.

[Trent212]

You are fine, I'd plastic dip it if it's still the bare aluminium (the crash bar) though so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.

[AvusPdx]

No issues in horrible weather (Snow, ice storm, rain in the PNW) yet. Maybe my intake filter is dirtier than usual since I have the mushroom shape Roc Euro intake. I also took off the "snow guard" or whatever that mesh thing was since it looked restricting.

[toastsauce]

What's this snow guard?

[TappaNuKegga]

What's this snow guard?

A plastic mesh filter that stops snow and other debris from getting to your main airbox filter. It's located above your grille, you'll find it if you follow your intake duct/hose towards the front of your engine bay.

The filter is a tight plastic mesh, similar to a reusable coffee filter, which is very restrictive.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[azw131]

Thanks for the reassurance. Already plastidipped the crash bar. I gave it seven coats so hopefully it holds up. I also fabricated a radiator guard out of 1/4 inch mesh from lowes.

[azw131]

A plastic mesh filter that stops snow and other debris from getting to your main airbox filter. It's located above your grille, you'll find it if you follow your intake duct/hose towards the front of your engine bay.

The filter is a tight plastic mesh, similar to a reusable coffee filter, which is very restrictive.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Incidentally, this piece was inside the lower part of my bumper when I removed it for the install. Apparently it had fallen off or been removed by a tech at some point. I reattached it to the intake.

[toastsauce]

Ah. So it's probably long gone since I installed my roc euro?

[jak77]

Just installed mine yesterday. Left the upper support in but took out the foam. Debated leaving the support out, but since the crash bar is there decided to leave it in. Happy with the result. Sprayed my crash bar with spray on bedliner.