R32 Front Bumper Question

[CitizenKane]

Hi all,

I wonder if anyone could help.

What exactly are the parts circled in red in the below pictures (sitting behind where the grilles should be on the bumper)?





I have seen this on a number of pics of MK4s with this R32 style bumper, and I've come across some R32 bumpers for sale that appear to show this on their photos (e.g. here: http://www.andysautosport.com/products/extreme_dimensions__111195.html ).

Are these just features of some R32 style bumpers but not others? Or are they components on the car itself? All I know is they are not on my own Mk4 GTi!

Sorry if this is a rudimentary question...

[barrym381]

It's the pipe work for the front mount intercooler thats in the middle circle   

[CitizenKane]

Ah I see! Thank you!

Do R32s come with intercoolers like that as stock? Or is this just a popular mod for Mk4 Golfs in general?

[lemski]

Popular mod, its the main reasom people put r32 bumpers on because you can hide all. The pipework if you wish with the grilles.
A standard bumper requires more work todo the same job

[Dalo Harkin]

I personally am not a fan of all the pipework showing, even with an R32 bumper its still quite hard to hide the pipework, I had the 2 side pieces filled when my bumper was reworked, so you just see the middle section on mine with the standard honeycomb insert covering the intercooler

[Wazzzer]

I've just picked up an R32 rep bumper, it's had some major hacking done to achieve the above look but I'm not a fan so I'm looking to go back to how it was...

Oh and the R32 doesn't need an intercooler as it's not forced induction (unless you have very deep pockets)