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This is the first vehicle I have had (except 1), that didn't have them, the running boards are just as effective, in my opinion. The only car I have that does not have them is my '70 Olds, but then I only drive it when the weather is nice.
Unless they changed the way they were mounted (I had them on an older ML500), I would stay away from them. They looked very nice for a week or so and then the adhesive tape would let loose and there was a 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap that formed. I went back to the dealer multiple times and they would reattach it...it would then pop off. The rears were OK...the front ones were the problem.
Hmmmmm, interesting! It looks like the fronts that Mastcell put on his would fit well, I'm not sure about the backs. I'm beginning to think I may have to wait for some aftermarket supplier like CarID to make them.
Dear bitzerjd350, I fitted these myself and I can assure you that there is no problem with any gapping after 15 months of use.
Here are some photos with outback red dust all over the car.
Dear bitzerjd350, I fitted these myself and I can assure you that there is no problem with any gapping after 15 months of use.
Here are some photos with outback red dust all over the car.
Good news...glad they fixed them. They were a PITA before. Thanks for the Pictures!
[QUOTE=Mastcell;6359493]Dear bitzerjd350, I fitted these myself and I can assure you that there is no problem with any gapping after 15 months of use.
Here are some photos with outback red dust all over the car.
Hi All. Terribly late to this forum as just a new "used" ML owner.
That said in the process of installing mud flaps on it (bought OEM quality off AliExpress!) and would appreciate a deeper explanation of how to connect the 2 "plastic tabs" on the upper part of the front flaps.
Do you simply line up the flap to the inner fender liner, drill a hole thru each tab into the liner (correct size), push the metal screw locks over each tab and with the flap in place over the drilled holes screw the metal screw supplied with the flaps into place?
Sorry for the long explanation but want to get this right to ensure my ML keeps looking awesome.
Thanks!
Updated post:
Dear MastCell, Thanks so much for posting these pictures. Originally (post above) had only seen them on my phone so couldn't make out clearly how the clips were used. Now on tablet it's clear all you needed to do was press the clips over the mud flap "cut-outs" and the front metal edge of the actual fender to attach the upper part of the flap onto the fender.
Will make my install that much easier though with the OEM flaps I just got (same SKU but newer version likely) the cut-outs are slightly different in that they have an extended plastic tab into the cut-out that folds over the inner metal fender edge and clamps that metal edge between the plastic cut-out and the tab so a thicker, hopefully more secure attachment; though you did state these don't flop around once installed.
Quick question: Where was the double sided tape attached; on the inside edge of the flap so when installed it sticks to the outside body edge of the ML being each wheel?
Cheers.
Last edited by TA Canada; 12-20-2016 at 09:44 PM.
Reason: Additional info
TA Canada, the mud flap should come with double sided black foam adhesive along one of the edge. Just peel it off the backing plastic and stick the mud flap to the painted surface just beyond the wheel arch (the fender) to get a clean finish. If not, you will need to figure out which edge is going to overlap over the painted surface of the fender and apply the double sided foam adhesive along it. You will need to follow around the curved part of the mud flap to get a good seal.