Wing Functionality?

[m3f_EmDeeAr_62001e6ba5]

The recent thread about the attachment of the factory wing to our cars made me think about its functionality.


Does it do anything? :clueless:


It looks like it does, for it has that dip in the center. I remember reading a thread that says it helps a little a really high speeds (like way past 100 mph), but that hasn't convinced me. If the wing truly serves no purpose, then :facepalm: (I don't really like stuff that isn't functional).


Thought it would be cool to find out what the wing actually does, if anything at all.


Thanks,


-Michael :beer:

[m3f_Mikelly]

I can't speak to the specifics of the E36M3 platform as a whole, but I did manage to run over 30 tests in a wind tunnel in Mooresville NC. on another platform and I can tell you that based on what we saw in the tunnel, you should approach the whole car when thinking about aero mods of any kind.



Mike

[m3f_M3n00b_e01f72a830]

It does add weight.


....that's something.

[m3f_tbaker474_bc666181ea]

The ltw high rise wing has some effect, the other stock wings are purely cosmetic.

[m3f_propchef_a4c19a6d03]

I can't speak to the specifics of the E36M3 platform as a whole, but I did manage to run over 30 tests in a wind tunnel in Mooresville NC. on another platform and I can tell you that based on what we saw in the tunnel, you should approach the whole car when thinking about aero mods of any kind.



Mike



^^^^ what he said. In conjunction with a PROPER splitter, the LTW wing is effective ON THE TRACK. there is a thread here done by an engineer that tested the fluid dynamics of a proper splitter and it's effects on front- end downforce. The entire thread is an interesting read. More info can probably be found in the track section. I would, however, do a search before posing this question there.

[m3f_Sharocks_296f0b7c97]

Asthetic Appeal.


That is all.

[m3f_Bimmerman3_4f9a469965]

The normal wing does nothing.



The LTW wing adds a little downforce, in the high position, but adds way more drag than it gives back in downforce. It does look sweet though.



The PTG wing adds more downforce, but still has a large drag penalty.



If you want a wing that works, APR, Brooks, or Bimmerworld sell proven wings, but you absolutely want to add a front splitter in conjunction with a wing; aero is one of those things you want to do to the whole car not just one end.

[m3f_white-hot_43c6fde783]

The ltw high rise wing has some effect, the other stock wings are purely cosmetic.



This x100 plus what Mikelly said about the whole car. A rear wing without some form of front treatment as well is more than a little counter-productive. Short of the really big louvered wings with large near-vertical surfaces you have to be at rather high speeds to get much effect from the average rear wing/spoiler at all. I always get a giggle out of the teenies running out and putting huge wings on the back of their (insert name of ridiculous non-performance car here) and acting like it has some effect. It will likely lift the front more than anything.

[m3f_vertigom3]

I always get a giggle out of the teenies running out and putting huge wings on the back of their (insert name of ridiculous non-performance FWD car here) and acting like it has some effect. It will likely lift the front more than anything.



FTFY. :thumbsup2:

[m3f_propchef_a4c19a6d03]

Asthetic Appeal.



That is all.



Spoiler, yes. Wing, no.

[m3f_EmDeeAr_62001e6ba5]

Great responses guys. Thanks for the clarification. I completely understand what a few of you said about looking at the WHOLE car when dealing with aerodynamics. Aero pieces and their effects need/should balance/work together.


I am not a fan of the factory wing.


-Mike

[m3f_97_4dr_5sp_c93706811c]

Wing functionality: break light.

[m3f_dkegel_51cea7f73a]

Wing functionality: break light.



The wing will break your light?!



Dave

[m3f_scoobiedoo_9bf48826bc]

i cant speak for the e36, but bmw did publish info on the first gen M cars (e30/e24/e28) on aero. most of it was supporting how good an airdam is on the e24/e28 chassis, in that it adds noticeable stability on the highway especially in high crosswinds. but it also discussed the deck spoiler used on the e24/e28 in that it made the air exit smoother no only from the back of the car on the trunk but from underneeth the car as well. it wasn't claiming downforce from what i can remember but it was stating less drag, witch is a help for MPG and acceleration.


e28/e24 info is scarce nowadays ill try an find the pdf i had saved to post it. but keep in mind the e28/e24 deck spoiler is quite different then the e36 wing. the air dam however i can say from experience it does exactly what bmw said it does on the e28/e24. its a huge help that is noticeable on the highway, so id figure their marketing for 80's aero was pretty realistic. stating that the front rear aero was effective for what it was designed for, downforce might not be something it was designed for.....


pic of said e24 spoiler

http://germancarsforsaleblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/BMW-M6_Tail.jpg

[m3f_TomS2_a2fd8cbb3e]

the car to learn about this/basic aerodynamics from is the 911. from the fist 911s that had from wheels that floated at high speed with a whale tail on. Ive looked at 911s with a whale tail and no front spoiler. when the sellers say it handles like it is on rails I knew it was time to say thanks and goodbye.



check out the underpanels on so many of todays sports cars. the cleaner the air flow the ....



I asked on this forum why someone would put the fugly ltw spoiler on the car with no front air dam and got flamed. imho if it doesnt do anything but add drag (unless it cleans up air for mpg) leave that stuff to the ryceboyz