[kzg1969]

....I am bracing myself for grief on this one but.....anyone fitted them?

[-JLT-]

I installed them on mine. Pics and details in my thread:

*** -jlt- 2020 bmw x3m competition build *** https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1663179

[kzg1969]

Originally Posted by -JLT-

I installed them on mine. Pics and details in my thread:

*** -jlt- 2020 bmw x3m competition build *** https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1663179

Explains why the search revealed nothing - "Rock Guards" is what you boys call them!

Do you have any close up pics?

I see these are generic ones (I have these type on the Focus) but never considered they would suit this car - very discreet on your black motor

[heavyD^2]

I don't understand why BMW would make guards for the regular X3 but not for the M40i or M models. I get that they are performance models but I don't understand why BMW seems to think that owners of the performance models care less about their paint and kicking up rocks than the your average SUV buyer. Typically people spending more money are more anal about these details.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

I don't understand why BMW would make guards for the regular X3 but not for the M40i or M models. I get that they are performance models but I don't understand why BMW seems to think that owners of the performance models care less about their paint and kicking up rocks than the your average SUV buyer. Typically people spending more money are more anal about these details.

Likely the same reason the car comes with summer only tires.

I guess the M division expects us to only drive on warm track days.

[-JLT-]

Originally Posted by kzg1969

Explains why the search revealed nothing - "Rock Guards" is what you boys call them!

Do you have any close up pics?

I see these are generic ones (I have these type on the Focus) but never considered they would suit this car - very discreet on your black motor

yes but they're nighttime pics

[kzg1969]

cheers - think i will have a go

[spta97]

Did you have to drill a hole or do they fit with existing factory hardware?

[-JLT-]

Originally Posted by spta97

Did you have to drill a hole or do they fit with existing factory hardware?

they come with plastics tabs. just remove existing ones and use the ones provided

[spta97]

Originally Posted by -JLT-

they come with plastics tabs. just remove existing ones and use the ones provided

Thanks. Once I get the car I’ll understand more about it but from what you described it sounds like they won’t damage/alter anything.

Looks like a solid, cheap, beneficial mod!

[spta97]

Any thoughts on the ones that wrap around like in this post?

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...4&postcount=29

Not sure if the M-Sport M40i version will fit the X3M.

I am concerned if the wrap around part will scratch the paint though. To me they look more integrated.

[kzg1969]

Originally Posted by spta97

Any thoughts on the ones that wrap around like in this post?

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...4&postcount=29

Not sure if the M-Sport M40i version will fit the X3M.

I am concerned if the wrap around part will scratch the paint though. To me they look more integrated.

I did this on my 335d and put clear PPF on first as wear protection.

I've went another route on the X3M though, like JLT.
https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...8#post25667978

[spta97]

Originally Posted by kzg1969

I did this on my 335d and put clear PPF on first as wear protection.

I've went another route on the X3M though, like JLT.
https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...8#post25667978

I had PPF put on the front then ceramic coating on the car so can’t put PPF on that. Good idea though.

I’ll have to get a set and cut the fronts i guess

[kzg1969]

if you go the OEM route, you only need a little strip off PPF where the mudflap sits. You can PPF over ceramics - just be careful when washing and ensure all edges are rounded off.

Or if you mean you have PPF on the whole wing, then that would protect the mudflaps

[spta97]

I read that PPF has trouble sticking to ceramic. I got the front done which should be the front fender wheel well (I pick it up today), but not the back.

I’m not sure if the ones I linked would even fit the X3M though.

I may just go for the flat ones. Have to think about it.

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by kzg1969

if you go the OEM route, you only need a little strip off PPF where the mudflap sits. You can PPF over ceramics - just be careful when washing and ensure all edges are rounded off.

Or if you mean you have PPF on the whole wing, then that would protect the mudflaps

What OEM route? Do the regular OEM mud flaps fit?

* Edit. I see that the regular ones fit but not perfectly as there is some gaps. I wish BMW provided an option that would fit the M40i and M models or even Rally Armor although they don't seem to offer much for german vehicles.

[kzg1969]

this is the link

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1558066


@spta97 PPF will stick to ceramic, just not as good and you have to be carefull with the power washer / wash mitt

[spta97]

Thanks. I ended up going with the eBay ones jLT used as there doesn’t appear to be any possibility of damage to the paint.

I will continue to look into the OEM ones but I’m not sure if they will work with the X3m in the same way as the M40i.

I did a similar install on my truck (Infiniti mud flaps on a Nissan) and the paint wore away. I’m sure the PPF will help, but not sure if it can be cut through just like paint.

Hopefully someone on the F97 platform will be a beta tester.

[kzg1969]

good choice and you can customise the drop and the stick out to suit your needs and they pop off in <5mins when you know what your doing........post some pics when your done.

[spta97]

Will do!

I hope I don’t have to take the wheels off to install. And cutting the fronts just right should be interesting.

[BrockDM]

We went the OEM route on ours. You can see my thread here:

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...4#post25695494

[spta97]

Originally Posted by BrockD12

We went the OEM route on ours. You can see my thread here:

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...4#post25695494

Thanks! I replied to that thread - would love more pics/modifications required to fit.

Any paint damage?