Well I finally managed to find a spare hour today to get a brand new BMW rear quarter panel/ rear fender (label with part number is shown) out of my store and trial fit the new BMW stainless steel wheel arch trim and compare to an original period correct trim. The original trim and the new trim show the same BMW part number, I have one new set which was purchased from BMW UK and one from Walloth and both are the same as the new trim in this test.
I have tried to take photos to show the difference between the trims, I chose the N/S rear arch but all new trims are the same. They were not drilled and riveted on but simple spring clamps held them in the correct positions and neither trim was under any stress.
The points that the pictures show:
The new trims are much deeper/wider (approx 7.5 mm) than the originals so when they are fitted they actually sit above the natural swage line in the quarter/fender which is shown by the marked colour lines on the masking tape. When fitted in the correct positions in line with the swage on the panel one end will sit too low as it is longer around the circumference, it is hard to show this in the photos.
The vertical face (image 18) of the trims are also different as the original is fairly square but the new ones are more rounded, again hard to show with a picture. This would be acceptable if they fitted perfectly out of the packet.
I am led to believe that the new trims are stainless steel (I want to confirm the grade of this with BMW or by testing) so they could be trimmed to suit a vehicle but i felt it was worth sharing my findings as buyers may be expecting an instant and easy fit.
Hopefully this helps someone.
