E92 M3 in GTS3 - Front Fender Clearance

[JScheier]

First post in this section, but long-time BMW owner / racer / etc.

Currently working on an E92 for GTS3. Rolled the rear fenders and can easily fit 18x11 with 315s. In the front, that's not the case.

Looking at the fender material, has anyone attempted to heat the fender and roll the edges? I was able to reshape the rear bumper to align with the newly rolled fenders with some heat and (now) burnt fingers. Thinking I might be able to do that with the front fender as well.

Not really liking any of the aftermarket options for flaring, and honestly, I only need to flare the front, so a 'kit' would be a waste.

Anyone attempted this?

Thanks,
John

[dparm]

XCUSE_M3 has a square 315 setup on his E90. I believe he just cut the fenders but could be mistaken.

He runs it in NASA TT3. :-)

[JScheier]

Thanks for the reply! I read through most of the current and historical threads. Looks like THIS thread is the most informative. Unfortunately, I'm looking into the 18x11 with a 315 R7 square setup (and/or a Hankook C51 in a 315).

The photo that Chris (FSMTNBIKER) posted is exactly what I'm seeing, even with copious amounts of camber.

If I can heat and roll that composite fender up front, I can get it in there and still have a relatively low ride height. If not, then the next option is cutting that 1.5" edge off the fender and/or adding (hideous) flares to the front as they aren't needed in the back.

Might have to start scrounging CL and Ebay to see if I can score a used E9X front fender for scientific purposes.

[Kelse92]

Basically, the only way I've seen it fit is just cutting out along the line on the side of the fender around the wheel and also the edge of the bumper. Not the prettiest, but it works. Otherwise 295 or 305 would be options if you don't want or can't do any cutting. I have pictures I can post later of it.

[tsk94]

Front fenders are very hard to come by (other then buying new OEM pieces).

I've found limited to zero successful documentation of rolling (heating and pulling) the front fenders. Most practical method, as mentioned already, is trimming the vertical lip portion to allow the tire to be pushed outwards. Factory M3 GT4's (some) came this way, I believe it was an option.

If you look closely in this picture, you can see that portion of the fender has been trimmed compared to a stock cars fender.



Motorsport24.de also came out with a wider front fender option, it was shown on their instagram. I don't see it on their site yet though. You could always contact them if that's something you'd be interested in.

[SYT_Shadow]

tsk94 I'm looking at the picture and it looks stock!

The front lip in that beautiful car looks so much like the Bimmerworld one, probably not a mistake either

[JScheier]

I think it's definitely cut. I've attached a blown-up version below. They didn't follow the crease all the way around... but you can see where the cut gets real close to the upper crease and then falls away.

Looks like I'm going to pick up two eBay OEM style PP fenders and try to heat and roll them. If it works, We'll do that on the original fenders. If it doesn't, We'll cut the eBay fenders and put those on the car.

$389 a pair for the fenders seems reasonable for this effort.

Thanks!

[tsk94]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

tsk94 I'm looking at the picture and it looks stock!

The front lip in that beautiful car looks so much like the Bimmerworld one, probably not a mistake either

If you open the image in a separate tab (it's a large image) and zoom in, you'll be able to see it's not. It's hard to tell, but it's definitely not stock.

Here's an example of a stock fender. See how long the vertical lip is?


Here is a zoomed in photo of the GT4. You can see a distinct difference when comparing them back to back:


The first 20-30 seconds of this video also provides a good example of the lip being removed/trimmed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_9T...channel=Gumbal

Again, it's not super obvious to spot, but once you see it and compare it to a stock fender the difference is quite noticeable.

[tsk94]

Originally Posted by JScheier

I think it's definitely cut. I've attached a blown-up version below. They didn't follow the crease all the way around... but you can see where the cut gets real close to the upper crease and then falls away.

Looks like I'm going to pick up two eBay OEM style PP fenders and try to heat and roll them. If it works, We'll do that on the original fenders. If it doesn't, We'll cut the eBay fenders and put those on the car.

$389 a pair for the fenders seems reasonable for this effort.

Thanks!

Mind sharing the link for the fenders? That's a very reasonable deal and at that price something I'd consider experimenting with as well.

[JScheier]

Originally Posted by tsk94

Mind sharing the link for the fenders? That's a very reasonable deal and at that price something I'd consider experimenting with as well.

Yup... lied. Those fenders only fit non-M3s. I swear...I'm not dyslexic or stoopid.

Looks like OEM is the only option that I've found. If I find a lower $ option, I will post it.

[tsk94]

Originally Posted by JScheier

Yup... lied. Those fenders only fit non-M3s. I swear...I'm not dyslexic or stoopid.

Looks like OEM is the only option that I've found. If I find a lower $ option, I will post it.

That's been my experience when I've looked.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by tsk94

If you open the image in a separate tab (it's a large image) and zoom in, you'll be able to see it's not. It's hard to tell, but it's definitely not stock.

Here's an example of a stock fender. See how long the vertical lip is?


Here is a zoomed in photo of the GT4. You can see a distinct difference when comparing them back to back:


The first 20-30 seconds of this video also provides a good example of the lip being removed/trimmed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_9T...channel=Gumbal

Again, it's not super obvious to spot, but once you see it and compare it to a stock fender the difference is quite noticeable.

I see it!!!! Thank you!

[berns]

super into that GT4 look. so clean.

[LeveragedTiger]

How much do OEM fenders run?

Lot's of Euro groups make vented fenders for around 1,000 Euros that could be cut.

http://www.mk-motorsportteile.de/epa...fl%C3%BCgele92

Otherwise, just look for a salvage car that took a rear-end hit.

[JScheier]

Originally Posted by LeveragedTiger

How much do OEM fenders run?

About $400 usd each. Maybe cheaper with BMWCCA or shop discount. Certifit doesn't carry anything for the E9X fenders either, so OEM or eBay stuff

Originally Posted by LeveragedTiger

Lot's of Euro groups make vented fenders for around 1,000 Euros that could be cut.

http://www.mk-motorsportteile.de/epa...fl%C3%BCgele92

Otherwise, just look for a salvage car that took a rear-end hit.

We are currently leaning towards cutting them... just need to build a template and work on wheel size, sweep area, etc so it works right. Also working on-line to see if we can find a yard with a fender or two.

[XCUSE_M3]

Just cut them. its the easiest way to get them to fit im running the exact setup you are looking for. Waiting for the Strom uprights then will make it even easier to fit stuff with bringing that strut in another 5mm. Also been looking at moving into GTS3 when I get my car caged.

[derbo]

Interesting that this picture shows them not having it shaved.

[tsk94]

Originally Posted by derbo

Interesting that this picture shows them not having it shaved.

Not all of the GT4's did.

[//steve\\]

Originally Posted by tsk94

Not all of the GT4's did.

Only the ugly ones

[SYT_Shadow]

M3 GT4 was so clean! It almost looks like a regular M3

Much less aero than the M4 GT4

[JScheier]

Owner has decided to move on. Car is listed for sale here

Video can be found here

[jimmckendree]

I purchased this car and will still be working on a solution for the fronts to fit 315s. I will post in here once we have something.