Mud Flaps (gasp!!)
 

Okay, I know mudflaps will certainly take away from the overall look of a 123MB (I think they look gaff) However it occured to me that there is an awful lot of sand/salt/crud getting blasted against the areas behind each wheel and underneath the car. Is there an easy way to install mudflaps on 123's without drilling any holes? How bad do you think it will look? I am thinking small black generic flaps (not the Yosemite Sam or Trucker Girl styles). I think it would help a whole lot to keep the effects of winter to a minimum. Any thoughts? RT

Seems to me that they might catch dirt etc. between them and the fender well or wherever they are mounted..... might be worse than not having them as far as rust goes.

My rust free '82 came with plastic bits, bolted with standard MB 8mm sheet metal screws, covering the front wheel-well corners at the rocker panel.... my rusty '79 does not have them.

Dont know if these are factory or aftermarket components, but it seems logical they prevent impact of sand and grit against section of car that always seems to be first to rust out.

To set sheet metal screws on whatever you choose to do - never "drill" an actual hole, just punch very, very small hole with awl and hammer... and let the screw bite into the metal.

Look around or call Phil, you might be able to source a set of genuine MB mudflaps (with the Star) for a 123. I know they had them for the 116's, at least the Euro models. OEM flaps would beat Yosemite Sam "Back Off" flaps.

re mudflaps
 

please tell me you're not serious rwt!?!?
;)

There were (and still are) factory mudflaps available for Mercedes cars. I think beginning in the '70s and you can still get them for your W211 E-Class. The old ones had a little star on them, the new ones say "Mercedes-Benz".

84300DT, unfortunately yes I am serious. I have seen too many rocker panels, fenders, etc. sandblasted to bare metal to care what they look like. Aaron, how do the factory mudflaps attach? I know on newer cars the factory stuff installs in existing holes so no drilling.... RT

oookay.. altho in my late sixties vintage volvo's the one place they rusted was underneath the mudflaps:rolleyes: when the flaps' attachment disintegrated and the flap fell off you could tell where the salt and dirt was trapped underneath causing the rottage. this especially was prevalent in the front wheel wells. just my .02.

84300DT
 

Usually I attach mudflaps with 2-3 washers between the flap and the mounting surface. This gives enough room to not catch debris and allow water to rinse out salt, etc. As long as you are religious about clearing the void its not an issue. RT

i guess i would need to see 'em on the car to reflect a bit..
good luck rwt!

seriously ur car is so sweet looking i don't blame you for using any preservation technique possible :)

YES~!
 

i love the look of the mudflaps to be honest and im sure im not the only one. here's a picture, you decide! im still trying to find source to get them for my wagon. VW has done a good job making mudflaps look nice on jetta's and golf's.

eric

While I hate to admit it, I just purchased some mudflaps for my w201 mercedes. I also did it to reduce rust problems and to stop the constant salt and sand spray that the rockers and the rear quarter get every year.


I found oem original body fitting mudflaps in Australia. The site is www.mbspares.com.au and the email is spares@mbspares.com.au

They are very responsive. I sent an email, authorized by Amex card and received the mudflaps within two weeks.

Great people to deal with.

My 85 190D Euro has factory mudflaps. They're attached by small clips that have a screw in them. The screw acts as a clamp on the lip of the fender opening.

Not sure about this, but I think they were part of the "trailer package" that included a trailer hitch/trailer wiring, etc.

There's a MB part number on them, but it's too cold for me to get down there and read it. Maybe in a couple weeks???

At some point even practical issues take a back seat to asthetics. No offense intended but once the mudflaps are on what's next? Plastic seat covers? IMO, unless you really think those things will make a big difference stick with the stock look.

Well, for me, the "stock look" includes mudflaps. That's how my 190D came from the factory.

Why do you think it's so bad?