Cut Front Wheel Arch Liners

[Rui Almeida]

Hi guys

Been thinking about this since I bought my z3 but only now took the time to post it. Right the previous owner cut part of the front wheel arch liners and as far as my mind goes can only be the prevent the wheels from rubbing against them. Yes, the car it's been lowered on springs, don't know how much was the drop but can tell you it scrapes on speed bumps even on 17''s.
I will get some pictures but I am not happy with the fact that with the cut liners the water and dirt is splashed into the engine bay.

So question, is anyone running cut liners?
Ideas? I don't want to just buy a new set and end up with the wheels scraping on them.

Thanks in advance

 

[mrscalex]

I'd worry even more if water is getting in and lodging in bodywork crevices. Those liners are one of the poorest engineered parts of the car anyway and let c*rap in on the sill ends at the best of times.

I'm a factory merchant anyway. But for me the clue as to whether running lowered/bigger wheels is a good idea is if they fit without modifying bodywork.

 

[DavidM]

What tyre sizes are you running and what width of spacers do you run on the fronts - if any?

 

[Davyhoogy]

My car is VERY much lowered and is running 17s and ive never had any issue rubbing on the fronts

 

[Rui Almeida]

I'd worry even more if water is getting in and lodging in bodywork crevices. Those liners are one of the poorest engineered parts of the car anyway and let c*rap in on the sill ends at the best of times.

I'm a factory merchant anyway. But for me the clue as to whether running lowered/bigger wheels is a good idea is if they fit without modifying bodywork.

The cut was made at the top round area. Water ingress on sills. Just splash towards to top area (against bonnet ).
Running original wheels and I have seen z3s lower than mine hence the question.

 

[Rui Almeida]

What tyre sizes are you running and what width of spacers do you run on the fronts - if any?

Hi running 225 45 17''s no spacers .

 

[DavidM]

Need pics too - maybe one of the previous owners was running bigger alloys / tyres with or without spacers and started hacking at the liner in attempting to stop the rubbing - are both liners cut in the same area? Anyway - I would be inclined to do a cleanup job on the arches and put new liners on.

 

[Rui Almeida]

Need pics too - maybe one of the previous owners was running bigger alloys / tyres with or without spacers and started hacking at the liner in attempting to stop the rubbing - are both liners cut in the same area? Anyway - I would be inclined to do a cleanup job on the arches and put new liners on.

Yes the cut is the same I will get some pictures in an hour or so.
I plan to get new liners if I can find them for a good price.

Thanks

 

[g8jka]

Mine are cut, as the wheels do rub them slightly. I've only trimmed about 1cm off from what I remember I'll try and get a pic. You do get dirt and water splashing up on the inner edge of the bonnet but it cleans off easily and isn't left there long enough to do any damage.

 

[Rui Almeida]

Something like this @g8jka ?
Here's pictures for everyone anyway

 

[oldcarman]

Check out the local breakers on forum @Synclare, @Spurs fan in coupe and several others for liners!! JIM

 

[DavidM]

You can repair the arch liner with black duck tape (thick) - apply first and cut to shape - then apply gaffa tape ( thinner) - and cut to shape. The repair will hold for as long as you need. It will be a fairly neat job too when completed. Cost < £10.

 

[Synclare]

I can certainly help with used liners!

 

[Robz3sport]

Mines were cut back as it had 19" rims on it.......I've recently changed to 17's, it lets a lot of water and mud in around the bonnet........

 

[DavidM]

My inner guards were slightly worn through on the ridge seam area and I used gaffa tape to repair - I was surprised how neat the finished job turned out to be.

 

[Rui Almeida]

Mines were cut back as it had 19" rims on it.......I've recently changed to 17's, it lets a lot of water and mud in around the bonnet........

Same with mines. Just don't believe will rub with my 17''s. I've seen some mud and water around never that baaaaad but noticeable .

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

Yes I've loads of them, they're pretty big, so postage is a bit of a pain, I'm in Woking Surrey

 

[Robz3sport]

Might try the gaffa tape, it's highly unlikely I'll get wheel arch liners here in Northern Ireland .......!

 

[g8jka]

Something like this @g8jka ?
Here's pictures for everyone anyway

Don't think they were quite as much as that and been out to check and it was on my 2.0 that I cut them. These ones have a small bit of wear but only on the passenger side, which rubs when going round a right hand bend at speed.

 

[Rui Almeida]

Good Morning guys

Don't know if it's still related with the cut liners but I just realised this yesterday before I even went for a drive.
Is this water siting on the engine bay from previous drives ? and making loads of condensation over night?
Even the sound proofing on the bonnet felt quite wet.

Any ideas?
Pretty sure I will contact some of you for prices on the liners by the end of the month.

Thanks in advance.