[SeanWRT]

Hi guys,

I don't even know what BMW calls them and what exactly they're supposed to do under the front bumper. People seem to have different opinions on its purpose.

Probably it's just me, but these two pieces of rubber are prominent from many angles and look just odd. I am thinking to remove them.

Any downsides?

Thanks.

Sean

[2M]

Won't those limit the amount of rock chips thrown on from the tires? Edit: I just realized they were in front of the tires , had a blonde moment there lol

[Corinne]

Originally Posted by 2M

Won't those limit the amount of rock chips thrown on from the tires? Edit: I just realized they were in front of the tires , had a blonde moment there lol

This blonde reckons they're there to protect the paintwork when reversing at high speed

[SeanWRT]

I could be wrong but I thought they probably work as "clearance warning"...let you know when bumper is about to rub.

[Wangspeed]

Reduces aero drag from the front tires.

[devo]

Originally Posted by Wangspeed

Reduces aero drag from the front tires.

exactly... I would not remove them.

[SeanWRT]

Originally Posted by Wangspeed

Reduces aero drag from the front tires.

A good point! Should the same apply to other m cars?

[omasou]

They keep crap out of your brakes (brake mudflaps). Though with the brake backing plate "sounds" you'd think they're not working.

They are on ALL BMWs.

[gmzanatta]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

I could be wrong but I thought they probably work as "clearance warning"...let you know when bumper is about to rub.

That's what I've been using them for even though I’m not sure that is their actual purpose. If they hit or drag on anything, you can hear it right away, especially when entering underground parking or tall lips like the one in my garage.

[devo]

On most late model motor vehicles. They address aero and turbulence. They were not created to keep debris from the brakes.

http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=113182

[devo]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

A good point! Should the same apply to other m cars?

Not just performance cars, although they would be most beneficial.

[Corinne]

Hmmm... where would the average male BMW driver be without his rubbers eh ?

[Tag]

Stealthing?

[omasou]

Originally Posted by devo

On most late model motor vehicles. They address aero and turbulence. They were not created to keep debris from the brakes.

http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=113182

OMG, a PRIUS, really.

Not sure about the PRIUS but most BMW and MB cars have a significant underbody tray that this guy fabricated.

As for the his modified front deflector BMW had this on the E36M3, if not earlier, look up E36M3 and pork chop.



Maybe he should have spent more time researching they figured all this out in the 90's...sheesh

[Aronis]

I thought that flap was part of the Flux Capacitor.

Mike

[Wangspeed]

There isn't a modern car out there that doesn't have these. Even the bean counters were convinced, and they are ruthless when it comes to cutting cost of cars.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

Hi guys,

I don't even know what BMW calls them and what exactly they're supposed to do under the front bumper. People seem to have different opinions on its purpose.

Probably it's just me, but these two pieces of rubber are prominent from many angles and look just odd. I am thinking to remove them.

Any downsides?

Thanks.

Sean

pretty sure they didnt get there by accident.....

my 1M has similar deflectors behind the REAR wheels.. does the M2?

[gmzanatta]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

pretty sure they didnt get there by accident.....

my 1M has similar deflectors behind the REAR wheels.. does the M2?

Mine came with rear "mudflaps", which I had the dealer take off when installed the CF diffuser.

[Bluenose-2er]

Consensus seems to be it is just you

[430409M2]

My front overhang just barely clears the driveway on entry. This little guy has scraped a few times.