E60 engine cover: beauty and function?

[acarpenter86]

I've read up on a few threads where the engine covers in newer BMWs have been discussed. Some mention that it is a useful part of the original design and that it deflects heat along with quieting the engine noise a bit. I would be interested in sourcing one for my 2006 525xi for the second reason. It isn't "loud" but I can definitely hear the engine while driving, much more than our Altima and Yukon. However, the covers I'm seeing for the n52 (the silver one without integrated valve cover) don't seem to have any sound absorbative material. As an audio engineer, I don't see the silver piece of plastic absorbing much noise and therefore not worth my money... maybe I'm wrong. Maybe someone with same motor wants to do a test with and one without ��

[White94RX]

The engine covers on an N52 are pretty much decorative only. They have no sound insulating material. Compare it to an N54 engine cover, and you'll see. The N54 is very noisy (mainly the injectors). Drive an N54 without the cover, and you will definitely know it.