E36: mudflap scraping road

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Terry Pinnell - 18 Feb 2007 10:52 GMT

In my 1996 328i SE Auto, when driving briskly sometimes a sharp turn
or dip in the road can result in a brief whooshing sound, which I'm
sure is a mudflap scraping the road. Does it both sides. I've
mentioned it to my local garage (not a BMW specialist, although
competent I think). But they haven't diagnosed and fixed it, so I
assume it's not something glaringly obvious. Been doing this for
several years. Is it a known issue please? I'm wondering if maybe they
are non-standard flaps, fitted too low. Anyone know exactly what
height the mudflaps should be above the surface when car is at rest?
Any other thoughts would be appreciated please.

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Terry, West Sussex, UK

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John Burns - 18 Feb 2007 11:38 GMT

> In my 1996 328i SE Auto, when driving briskly sometimes a sharp turn
> or dip in the road can result in a brief whooshing sound, which I'm
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> assume it's not something glaringly obvious. Been doing this for
> several years. Is it a known issue please?

The mudflaps on my old e36 318iS and my e38 730i both did this. I'd say
it's normal.

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Dodgy - 20 Feb 2007 17:11 GMT

>> In my 1996 328i SE Auto, when driving briskly sometimes a sharp turn
>> or dip in the road can result in a brief whooshing sound, which I'm
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>The mudflaps on my old e36 318iS and my e38 730i both did this. I'd say
>it's normal.

My '94 E36 325 TD did this. The front ones would often catch, which
wasn't really a shock given how low they sit.

My '96 E36 325 TDS SE doesn't however. Not sure if it has stiffer
springs, or maybe just dampers in better condition.

Assuming your tyres are up to the correct pressure, and the garage
hasn't commented on worn dumpers/bushes, I wouldn't worry about it.
Eventually it'll stop when the mud flap wears down far enough! :o)

Dodgy.

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> In my 1996 328i ...... a mudflap scraping the road.

Mine does it if I take off over a hump backed bridge. Makes an evil sound
but the ride hight and dampers seem OK.

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Terry Pinnell - 18 Feb 2007 17:33 GMT

>> In my 1996 328i ...... a mudflap scraping the road.
>
>Mine does it if I take off over a hump backed bridge. Makes an evil sound
>but the ride hight and dampers seem OK.

Thanks both. Sounds OK then!

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Terry, West Sussex, UK

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