saintvir

Has anybody installed mudflaps or splash guards on the E320/E500? If so, where did you get it and how much did it cost? Does it fit well? Can you post pics?

Thanks.

Crazy4Cars

Please do not ruin what is consider a great car already with mud flaps.

saintvir

I thought the same thing ... that is why I am asking if anybody had done it; and, if it looks well on the car.

Also, I think the mudflaps/splash guards are not for looks but for paint protection on the lower door panels. The front tire kicks up a lot of dirt (and road tar) that could damage the paint.

bmms8

even though it doesnt look to good on the car, i would maybe consider it, driving 300 miles in one cause a lot of dirt of the lower panels

ElDiabloJoe

I mean, geeez, I dunno about your dealerships, but where I bought mine gives me free lifetime car washes.

Prior to my little detail work (which I used to LOVE, but now find more of a time spender-hassle), I'd let them wash it clean.

Then no worries, or come home and Zaino it.

MHO, YMMV

EDJ

bmms8

but letting your dealer prep your car is the worst treatment you can do for your car, ask any detailer...i learned this the hard way, they cause you swirls that grow, and scratches, and thier finish is nowhere near my 8 coats of z-2, my salesman said the car was looking very nice after i only had 3, and h said the fel was much better, so we never let the dealer touch it again

saintvir

I second that ... having just started to wash and detail my own (new E320) car, I'd like to give it the best paint protection ... including splash guards if it is worth it. I just need others' opinions about it. I read a thread on the subject in the C Class forum and people over there seems to like the idea.

Are E Class owners of the same opinion?

ElDiabloJoe

Ok, Ok, Ok! You guys have guilted me into it. I'll dawn, wash, and zaino my new E tomorrow.

Sheeesh.

EDJ
(But you guys ARE right, though)

bmms8

lol, thanks, and remember to clay, your car wont look good w/o claying, and since its new, it wont take more than 15 minz to clay

AMGLAB

Mud flaps are a dealer opion for $81. See the MBUSA website at build your own E, and go to the accessories section at the end. On a dark E, they may not look too bad.

bmms8

yea, thats what i was thinking, since we have black, it wouldnt show as much as white or anything

ValueplusClass

I think they are a great idea. Does anyone know if the 2003 ones are in? Dealer says they are not in yet for the 2003 model. Also what about the rear seat cover and the car cover? Has anyone bought the 2003 ones yet? Are they in stock yet? Thanks.

saintvir

I ordered the mudflaps from www.clairparts.com. They have the car cover by Noah - Tailored to fit your Mercedes like a glove. Made from Noah, a UV-resistant, 3-layer fabric that breathes, this cover will protect your vehicle from harmful elements.

Part No.: Q-6-60-0069
Sale Price: $ 205.95

But, I didn't see the seat cover at their website.

karl k

Consider the drag co-efficient. When thinking flaps, think larger fuel tank!...or more re-fueling stops.

ValueplusClass

I wonder if anybody has done a test on fuel econ. with mud flaps on. But I believe that since the mud flaps are behind the wheels, the additional drag if any would be minimal.

saintvir

I've installed the mudflaps on the front only and, so far, I am satisfied that it has substantially reduced the amount of dirt being kicked up on the door panel. Having received a total 15 inches of snow since Thanksgiving, I was concerned about all the salt on the roads.

I think I've accomplished what I wanted to do and am not particularly concerned with 'increased drag', if any. I'll take and post a picture (of the dirty car, right now) for all to see.

Back in ten minutes ...

saintvir

Here's the driver's side of the car. Before the snow, it usually got dirtier than what you see now. It should be worse after the snow but it didn't happen.

saintvir

Here's the passenger side. Compared to the driver side, it looks like it picked up more dirt probably because snow is piled up on the right side of the road after plowing.

(Black mudflaps on Red doesn't look that obtrusive either ... IMHO).

ValueplusClass

Nice Red!!

Callaway

My understanding is that you cannot fit front seat covers to the new E Class as the side airbags are in the side of the front seat and thus the seat covers would interfer with them.

One question,what is "claying" when refering to preping the paint?

ValueplusClass

Any splash on the rear bumpers? Somehow I think a flexible, lower riding "flap" on all wheels would provide a bit more protection.

karl k

Mea culpa. I've been living in S. Florida too long and forgotm how nasty winters can be up north with snow, slush, ice and salt.

The black splash guards acttually blend in well with any color, because the tires are always black, --unless whitewalls are coming back...

ctouhey

Callaway,

Claying is a process of taking clay and removing environmental pollutants from your car's paint leaving a perfectly smooth surface. I clayed and Zainoed my car this past weekend, and I am very pleased with the results. Check the detailing forum on this site for further information.

saintvir

I only installed the front mudflaps for now. I'll probably wait until spring to get the back flaps on.

Callaway

Claying-sounds weird but the results look great!!