Product Description
The HARD Motorsport E36 coupe Rivet-on Fender Flares are a ready-to-go option, which will allow you to run the wider rubber you want for track days or autocross sessions. We used factory BMW E46 330 fenders to create the shape and profile of our flares to maintain that distinctive factory look. The HARD Motorsport Fender Flares are specially designed to allow you to keep your factory BMW moldings intact and to retain the classic, factory look of your car.
FRONT: Aprox 25mm wider. A slightly wider front corner trim extension to allow for the repositioning of the nose panel trim under the turn single for added tire clearance.
REARS: Aprox 30mm wider
(flares taper around the wheel arch, so "width" is not the same around the entire arch. Widest point may not be the "top" of the wheel arch.
Manufactured from thermoformed ABS plastic, so they won't break like fiberglass versions. The HARD Motorsport's Fender Flares can be prepped and painted to match, so you have options.
Replacement sets can be purchased in front or rear pairs only if you happen to have a mishap on or off the track. We won't tell. Contact sales@hardmotorsport.com to arrange purchase of a single piece!
Finish: Parts provided are UNFINISHED. Some scratching or marring of the surface is to be expected and not unusual. Manufactured from thermoformed ABS plastic, so they won't easily break like fiberglass versions. The HARD Motorsport's Fender Flares can be prepped and painted to match, so you have options.
Some surface irregularities occur due to the composition of the raw materials which can vary. These can be easily sanded out during the prep and finish process. A finish is highly recommended to protect the raw ABS from UV exposure.
Parts provided are UNFINISHED. Some scratching or marring of the surface is to be expected and not unusual.
The ABS thermoformed parts are easily modified for fitment and customization. Although these were made specifically for this chassis, some trimming and adjustment to the parts is needed for the final fitment for desired results
Our Fender Flare kit includes:
- 4 unpainted, fender flares
- 1 package of black rivets for easy installation and a clean appearance
- Trimming of the side molding recess is required. These are left on during shipping to maintain shape and prevent damage.
- Trimming of "lip" along the flare edge may be necessary for some wheel/tire fitment.
WHEEL/TIRE: We recommend to start fitting with a 255-275 size tire for 18" wheels.
Note: 275/35/18 Hoosier R6s on 18x9.5 ET35 Apex Arc-8 wheels are shown in the images.
INSTALL:
Installation is fairly straightforward, but no 2 installs are the same. Here is a overlook at the process to get you started.
These are functional fender flares, so cutting of the factory fenders is necessary to run larger, wider wheels and tires.
Using the flare as a reference, mark the top edge of the flare above the wheel where you will need to cut for clearance. Measure in .75” and draw your cut line. You will only need to cut the oem fenders where tire contact will occur over the tire. No need to trim the front or back of the wheel arch. This only creates problems.
Modification to the inner fender and fender liner is up to you. We recommend sealing of the rear inner fenders to seal the trunk/cabin from the exterior wheel well.
Trimming and adjustment as you work may be necessary to get the final fitment that you require. We leave a bit "extra" around the inside of the arch to help the flare keep it's shape. This can be trimmed off for added clearance. For coupes with side molding, you will need to remove enough of the flare to fit around the molding. These are designed to fit with the M-tech moldings. Non-M moldings may look odd, but you can upgrade to the M style moldings! Work from the back side of the arch with a rotory sanding disc to remove the molding recess formed into the flare testing fitment as you go.
Take your time with fitment and attachment. Leaving the flares in the warm sun prior to install will help the ABS relax to better fit the wheel arch. We provide 3/16” black rivets, but you may opt to use threaded hardware of your choice. Do not just drill both the flare and the fender as you go. Predrill the flare in the locations that you desire, then transfer these drill points to the fender ONLY when you have the flare positioned properly. You can “open or close” the flare slightly to acheive better fitment. * Remember to oversize the bit when you drill the flare for hardware. This will allow for expansion and contraction of the plastic with temp changes.
In the rear, you may want to loosen the attachment of the rear bumper near the wheel arch, then pull it out before re-tightening to match the bumper to the new, wider flare width. No extra parts or hardware are needed and this can be done with just manipulation of the factory parts.
**We have run this wheel/tire combo as listed above on our house-car with proven results. With quite a lot of massaging and suspension adjustments, we were able to run up to 285/30/18 rubber on 18x10 et25 wheels on both the front and rear on our E36 for track days or autocross sessions. Camber/Caster plate range and adjustability, shorter springs, no helper springs, ride height, modifications to body/chassis as needed for tire clearance, steering limiter, etc. You will need to take all of this into consideration if attempting to run as wide of a tire as possible. We cannot confirm fitment of other wheel/tire combinations that we have not tested. Fine tuning and suspension adjustment may be necessary. It is nearly impossible to determine compatibility with the endless variety of suspension, wheel, and tire combinations that are possible. We'll give you the extra room, the rest is up to you!
HARD Motorsport Fender Flares are made in the U.S.A.!!!
