Replacing the plastic scrape guards under the front bumper

[SD ///M4]

My right one ripped on a curb during Euro Delivery. When the car got home I replaced it. Then the left one ripped somewhere. I replaced it. Now they're both ripped again. My car is lowered 1/2". If you already ripped one, you're just going to do it again. At $32 apiece, it's not worth it. This is also why as much as I like the look of the front splitter, I definitely won't be installing one.

[boss2k]

whats the use of those rubber flaps?

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by boss2k

whats the use of those rubber flaps?

On previous BMW models, they're called aero flaps. My Z4 M Roadster has them in front of both the front and rear tires. My wife's 2011 335is Coupe has them in front of the front wheels. Since they were called aero flaps, and based on their placement, I'm assuming that they deflect the airflow in front of the tires, although I'm not sure what possible aero benefit that is.

On the M3/M4, they're small and easy to replace and the flaps themselves are part of the right and left belly pan. On the 335i/335is, you have to replace the entire front fender liner, as they're part of that assembly. I did that once.

[m4rawrr]

Hmm thanks for the quick replies. Maybe I'll have to look into the rubber cement method since I'm pretty sure I will tear it again. I try to drive really slow and angled to avoid scraping it but sometimes it is just inevitable.. It just bugs me when I'm walking up to the car and I can see the torn little flap dangling!

[AlterZgo]

I tore mine and, instead of replacing them, I just trimmed along entire length of the horizontal cut line where it was torn. So now, there's still some rubber there but about 3/4" shorter than stock. I figured why replace when they would get messed up again anyway and it still looks 100% stock.

[bmrwrld]

Don't even bother, you will keep on destroying them.

[Mavs1balla]

Originally Posted by boss2k

whats the use of those rubber flaps?

Splash guards.

I trimmed mine to install a front lip.

[packet.pilot]

Originally Posted by Mavs1balla

Splash guards.

Aero, as stated above. Nothing to do with splash. Believe it or not, the outside of cars tend to be rather weatherproof.

Unless you're talking about mudflaps for those who rip around in the dirt, in reverse.

Or unless you're talking about air splash. I mean, air is also a fluid, so.

[jmg]

It would be wonderful if there was an aftermarket option that was a fraction of the length for lowered cars. Both of mine look like they just finished filming a Shane Diesel movie.

[Mavs1balla]

Originally Posted by packet.pilot

[img]https://img.memesuper.com/bf75a4006f...g_952-500.jpeg[/img]

Aero, as stated above. Nothing to do with splash. Believe it or not, the outside of cars tend to be rather weatherproof.

Unless you're talking about mudflaps for those who rip around in the dirt, in reverse.

Or unless you're talking about air splash. I mean, air is also a fluid, so.

Ah good ol' trump. well I guess I'm misinformed. Just going off what one of the DIY sites called it.

[packet.pilot]

Originally Posted by jmg

It would be wonderful if there was an aftermarket option that was a fraction of the length for lowered cars. Both of mine look like they just finished filming a Shane Diesel movie.

Hand tools are your friend. Dremels are great for finishing.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by packet.pilot

Hand tools are your friend. Dremels are great for finishing.

That's what I'm planning to do. It would be nice to take one thing off my plate.

[theroadrunner]

my driver's side one was shredded. as others have mentioned, super easy to replace. turn the wheels all the way to right or left to access all the screws. 5/16" socket wrench. don't over tighten.

[Bch53211]

What are these rubber flaps called? I'd like to replace the passenger side one. I've seen posts before but not having any success searching. It looks as though the "rubber flaps" are attached to a flat plastic piece that bolts to the underbody.

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by Bch53211

Attachment 1687915What are these rubber flaps called? I'd like to replace the passenger side one. I've seen posts before but not having any success searching. It looks as though the "rubber flaps" are attached to a flat plastic piece that bolts to the underbody.

It's a part of the "belly pan"
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/51718054282/

I was actually of thinking of buying it from this site and test their "lifetime guarantee" since these things constantly are being worn down. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ht-51718054282

[Renaguiat]

Originally Posted by bgomesm4

Seems easy to replace, I took mine out to add the front splitters if i remember correctly...

If you're probably just gonna scrape them again in the near future... is it worth it?

So you took off all the deflectors anyways?

[Reddevils7]

just got done replacing both of mine. one day I noticed the right one was drooping lower than normal. a couple screws had fallen out and the remaining were loose. I tightened them and had planned to buy new ones. then was on a long drive when I heard a rubbing noise at certain speeds (>80mph). pulled over and pretty much the entire right lower guard was missing and had ripped off. in the pic the 2 screws from the inner fender lining are all that's holding what's left of the guard. the inner fender rubbed for a second on the tire but luckily no damage to anything else. when I was replacing the left one, which previously had a small tear but belly pan was fine, I noticed that the oil cooler guard had a tiny crack next to it's 13mm bolt. nothing that was full thickness. will probably plan on replacing that with the aluminum one soon.

ignore the scuff under the right side of the bumper. that was old

[rdm4]

Cool, thanks!