Mud Flaps

[Lazzzydog]

These flaps were on the car when I bought it so I do not know where the last owner got them from but they fit so well that the must be made for the Z3. I will take a look later for any brand name on them.

 

[Bozzy]

View attachment 74119 View attachment 74114 View attachment 74115

My car had OEM flaps at the front probably from new. The front of the sills looked perfect but when I removed the flaps the extent of the damage was serious.
Where the clips that hold the flaps to the wing and sill are fitted had almost rotted through completely. The sill and wing bottom were full of damp mud and leaves which was causing more rust. My car spent several years in a rural area and was in regular use, so may not be typical, however, it is not an uncommon history.



I think the OEM flaps can cause problems. Fixing clips damage the paint eventually leading to rust. I thought the flaps would be offering great protection and was probably a bit complacent about the need for maintenance in this area.
Fit flaps by all means; they will offer some protection for the edges of the sill, but take them off at least once a year, clean behind them (and the wheel liner) and repair any damage from clips. Don't view them as a fix and forget solution to sill or wing damage.

Wow that's made mess .
I've not long fitted o.e.m mud flaps on the front, think I'm going to take them off and do the @Nodzed mod.

 

[hard top]

You got a link please

View: https://youtu.be/_PNSWm_CFYY

 

[Bozzy]

Took the mud flaps off today....

Was surprised how much crud they trapped against the bodywork, they've only been on about 6 weeks and done 3 trips.
So they're staying off now.

Steve.

 

[andyglym]

Took the mud flaps off today....
View attachment 74156 View attachment 74157

Was surprised how much crud they trapped against the bodywork, they've only been on about 6 weeks and done 3 trips.
So they're staying off now.

Steve.

Good info Steve, imagine that after several months.

 

[Bozzy]

Good info Steve, imagine that after several months.

Exactly mate, we do seem to drive on quite rural roads/tracks .....especially when we're out with @Mint . Those kind of roads are good fun though, so I'm not changing my habits .
As I mentioned, I'll copy Niall's idea to help protect the sill ends.

 

[Lazzzydog]

I looked on my mud flaps today but there are just part numbers and no makers mark that I can see. These also fasten to the inner plastic liner and sandwich the metal wing on each side. I will have to take them off to see if they are hiding anything nasty.

 

[t-tony]

I looked on my mud flaps today but there are just part numbers and no makers mark that I can see. These also fasten to the inner plastic liner and sandwich the metal wing on each side. I will have to take them off to see if they are hiding anything nasty.

If you can see the complete part number Tony, try Googling it, that may tell you the maker.

Tony.

 

[Lazzzydog]

Good idea I never thought of that. It will have to wait til tomorrow now though.

 

[Mint]

Exactly mate, we do seem to drive on quite rural roads/tracks .....especially when we're out with @Mint . Those kind of roads are good fun though, so I'm not changing my habits .
As I mentioned, I'll copy Niall's idea to help protect the sill ends.

Not changing my driving habits either. Might have a look behind mine as well.