Will i3s wheels fit an i3 as the offsets seem to be the major difference
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PBNB
Well-known member
It looks like the fender flares fit well and appear to fit the same as they do on the "S". Are you planning to use some 3m sticky tape to install these?
The wheels should fit. There is someone that already installed the 20" "S" wheels on their i3. Looks good and they stick out a little which should be taken up with those fender flares you are putting on.
Where did you get the flares?
The wheels should fit. There is someone that already installed the 20" "S" wheels on their i3. Looks good and they stick out a little which should be taken up with those fender flares you are putting on.
Where did you get the flares?
rtanov
Well-known member
This seems to indicate that they are using screws (# 15) to attach them:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=7Z83-USA-01-2018-I01N-BMW_i-i3s_94Ah_Rex&diagId=51_9279
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=7Z83-USA-01-2018-I01N-BMW_i-i3s_94Ah_Rex&diagId=51_9279
PBNB
Well-known member
I see the #15 screws but not too sure how they work in this situation. It looks like the original fender (white) is inline with the new black flares. The screw would have to come from the bottom or the back through the original fender.
This may require drilling holes to mount these flares. That means this is a one-way enhancement.
This may require drilling holes to mount these flares. That means this is a one-way enhancement.
alohart
Well-known member
On an i3S, can the edges of the fenders be seen behind the flares as they can with this retrofit?PBNB said:
It doesn't appear that the flares provide much additional protection against rocks, mud, etc., being thrown onto the sides of the car by the tires (i.e., there doesn't appear to be much of a flare). Maybe not much additional protection is needed.
It's difficult to see for certain, but it appears that there could be gaps between the fenders and the flares where mud, dirt, road grim, etc., could collect. Maybe the i3S fender edges are shaped differently such that they are hidden behind the flares.
Also, I wonder whether the side-facing parking sensors are pointed closely enough in the same direction so that they function correctly (not that this really matters to me because I never use Parking Assist).
PBNB
Well-known member
I would hope that the flares will tighten up to the existing fender once the screws are installed. It does seem like the flares don't add a lot of thickness to the fender.
I would think that there should be a lip on the bottom of the flare that protects the lower surface from rocks as well as keeping the mud to a minimum.
I will have to wait til I see these installed before ordering my set!
I would think that there should be a lip on the bottom of the flare that protects the lower surface from rocks as well as keeping the mud to a minimum.
I will have to wait til I see these installed before ordering my set!
Unfortunately I couldn't use original screws since it woul require extreme precision when drilling holes. I used glue(not sure that you have this one over there) that can hold up to 300kg/cm2....
Also flares don't fit on regular i3 fender because they both have L shape on the bottom edge. You have to cut either the car or the fender and since I didn't have courage to touch the car
.... I can always paint it in black from inside the fender
And the parking sensor... It is in exactly the same place as originally designed but a had to widen the hole where the mounts were and glue the sensor to the flare.
Also flares don't fit on regular i3 fender because they both have L shape on the bottom edge. You have to cut either the car or the fender and since I didn't have courage to touch the car
.... I can always paint it in black from inside the fenderAnd the parking sensor... It is in exactly the same place as originally designed but a had to widen the hole where the mounts were and glue the sensor to the flare.
Very cool! I am attempting the same i3s flare install on my 2014.
I have one rear flare (PN 51-43-8-738-749 from onlinebmwshop.com - $110 shipped) in hand to experiment with before moving to the front.
I thought I’d use 3M VHB #4991 tape. It’s very strong and should be more than enough.
Only issue now I see is that the back of the flare isn’t flat. There are pegs and slots for fitting into holes and clips I don’t have. Did you cut all those off the flare to make a flat mounting surface? If you had any pics of the backside before mounting that would be super.
Thanks for sharing!
I have one rear flare (PN 51-43-8-738-749 from onlinebmwshop.com - $110 shipped) in hand to experiment with before moving to the front.
I thought I’d use 3M VHB #4991 tape. It’s very strong and should be more than enough.
Only issue now I see is that the back of the flare isn’t flat. There are pegs and slots for fitting into holes and clips I don’t have. Did you cut all those off the flare to make a flat mounting surface? If you had any pics of the backside before mounting that would be super.
Thanks for sharing!
