Upper front fenderwell modification?

[MMercury]

I parked near another coupe and the owner asked if he could look and feel around inside my upper front fender wells. He explained that his coupe had welded and riveted plates in or around the faux vent area and wanted to know if this was common. See part number 8 in the following diagram: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=7031&mospid=47808&btnr=41_1207&hg=41&fg=10

I looked at his fenders and noticed that the large rhombus shaped hole that is at the upper rear portion of each fender (the one that acts like a vacuum cleaner bag and collects sand and debris) was non-existent. Now, I am wondering why I did not seal the holes on my cars or for that matter why BMW didn't do it. I believe that all stock E9s had these holes, and now wonder am I the only one that leaves these holes exposed? Is there a reason for leaving them as is?

Thanks in advance

 

[glenn in encinitas]

great question. Maybe to allow access for future rust repair? If the cavity were closed, unless it was filled with wax, it would be a time bomb. But wait- it already is!

Has anyone else sealed this opening? If so, how long ago and what was the result?

 

[tochi]

Even partially sealing the caverns would reduce the amount of junk that accumulates there. Plastic temporary/removable flaps or plugs would seem to make sense. Future access would not seem to be a big issue since the only real access would be to remove the outer fenders and if you are going to that trouble, you probably wouldn't be troubled by removing any cover.
But if everything else is subject to rust, even paint would seem like a good idea.

There are a few coupsters using Volvo plastic fender liners which presumably act as a defacto cover. Did BMW ever offer or even endorse anything like those liners?

tia

 

[Glaive]

I am actually planning to seal mine up when I replace the fenders. I know that Jaymic in the UK offers a bulkhead repair kit which includes a replacement panel without the factory hole. I've attached a pic of it below.