[ayyy]

Hey all,

Hopefully this is the right subforum to post this, but I was wondering how necessary the small mini mudflap-shaped air deflectors are in front of all 4 wheels on our cars (or at least specifically my 08 E92 335xi). The purpose of these pieces are discussed in this thread here, but I could find a definitive answer as to what would happen if they were completely removed. Basically they are for underbody aerodynamics to direct moving air away from the wheel wells as I understand. Pic from the above thread here where you can see the pieces in question:



This is important to me as my car is bagged and I'm literally airing out onto these pieces. As in they are basically holding up my car, which can't be good for anything structurally. I would rather remove them completely, either by trimming or removing the entire panel (upon closer inspection).

Thanks in advace for your expertise!

[El Cheapo Loco]

I remember reading about those in a car magazine years ago. They have a name but I just can't remember it. They are supposed to direct air from the tires to keep the car stable and planted at speed. We're not driving at autobahn speeds here in the states so probably not going to make much difference.

[cjdzombie]

They're called pressure lip seals. I need to replace mine too. I'm not sure how important they are but I figure they're there for a reason.

Left Part # 51627136525
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1...0yMaAi188P8HAQ

Right Part # 51627136526
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1...JGUaAslz8P8HAQ

[ayyy]

Originally Posted by El Cheapo Loco

I remember reading about those in a car magazine years ago. They have a name but I just can't remember it. They are supposed to direct air from the tires to keep the car stable and planted at speed. We're not driving at autobahn speeds here in the states so probably not going to make much difference.

Thanks for the reply. This is what I've read too. Guess I'll just avoid going 120+ after I take them off haha

Originally Posted by cjdzombie

They're called pressure lip seals. I need to replace mine too. I'm not sure how important they are but I figure they're there for a reason.

Thanks for posting those parts numbers but I'm actually looking to take mine off. They are folding against the ground when I'm aired out and look like crap so my plans are to just remove them entirely

[ssdara]

I havent had mine on for years, no issues. Can't run lip without taking them off. Rears just fell off at some time, running over large rodents. I think one of their purposes is to deflect debris away from tires. If your car is lowered, your bumper is your new flaps anyhow.

They're attached by 8mm screws and plugs. Pulls off easily once screws removed.

[ayyy]

Originally Posted by ssdara

I havent had mine on for years, no issues. Can't run lip without taking them off. Rears just fell off at some time, running over large rodents. I think one of their purposes is to deflect debris away from tires. If your car is lowered, your bumper is your new flaps anyhow.

They're attached by 8mm screws and plugs. Pulls off easily once screws removed.

Thanks for that info! I'll definitely be removing them then as I'm installing a front splitter after I vinyl wrap the car in a couple weeks.