[paulsinger]

I keep seeing photos of the M3 18" wheels without the aero covers looking better with some little plastic wheel nut caps and centre hub cap for about £30 from Amazon.

My question is how much does that affect the range (and is the decrease only noticeable at motorway speeds?), and does it affect the noise from the wheels?

Also, is it true that, if you don't take the aero covers off, straight away, they scratch the alloys, so you can't do it later?

 

[D_bistoptom]

I had always thought that they looked better without the covers, and in preparation bought the aero kit.

However on delivery I took the aero covers off one side, and compared each side.

I actually prefer the covers on, and as SWMBO and mini SWMBO both preferred the aeros as well, they have stayed on.



Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

[dodgyd]

I'd be interested to learn where the scratches occur, I might put some tape on to protect them as I plan to leave the covers on.

 

[paulsinger]

I'd be interested to learn where the scratches occur, I might put some tape on to protect them as I plan to leave the covers on.

The damage is mentioned in this article :

Started buying accessories?

Anyone else started buying bits for their forthcoming 3? I'm currently sat in the waiting area of the service centre in west palm beach, getting the centre caps for the aero wheels. Also thinking about carpet mats :)

www.speakev.com

 

[Howiep]

I personally cannot see a range reduction by removing the aero covers. I think officially the reduction is around 5%. It’s grit that causes the scratches to the alloys with aero covers on. Personally I prefer the alloys to the covers.

 

[firetrax]

I prefer to leave the aeros on.

 

[cah197]

I prefer to leave the aeros on.

What if someone sees you with them on?

 

[firetrax]

What if someone sees you with them on?

I have no shame

 

[SteveTesla]

I prefer the cover off - see the nice alloy wheels. Perhaps we should have a vote ;-)

 

[paulsinger]

I prefer the cover off - see the nice alloy wheels. Perhaps we should have a vote ;-)

Did you notice any additional noise from the alloy wheels without the aero covers?

 

[Phil W]

We are a aeros on kind of family. But it takes all sorts...

 

[SteveTesla]

Did you notice any additional noise from the alloy wheels without the aero covers?

No I haven't

 

[javadude]

Removed mine on collection before I moved the car so I can't comment on the difference in range. I even took the centre cap + nut cover kit with me. It left no marks where the clips had been but then there'd been no time for grit to accumulate. The only scratch on the alloys is one that was no-where near a clip and clearly from the factory