Scraping bottom...what's this????
 

My driveway is a little steep and the plastic piece shown below scrapes the pavement as i enter the driveway (even on an angle)...does anyone know the function of this piece and if removing it will pose a problem?
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/7185/bumperkn3.jpg
TIA
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...G%5D%5B/URL%5D

^^Honestly I would have to take a look but I believe it is the front lower spoiler to help reduce drag on the front end and divert air around the car.Removing it I don't know how that will affect your MCS though.

My car with the JCW aero kit has the lower spoilers too. I keep scraping them and braking them off on the exit of my garage.

I don't think during everyday driving it would matter if you take it off. However, I do like the fact that if I'm going to hit something it's going to be a $9 part that I can replace easily.

I thought I read somewhere on these forums that a member had tried removing that piece and it negatively impacted handling. I could be wrong, but I swear I read that somewhere.

Its neoprene (synthetic rubber). You can't really hurt it.

a lot of cars have that. I believe its main function(s) is first to let you know that you are coming close to scraping your bottom. Plastic scratching is no big deal.

2nd is air flow under the car.

You can't hurt it and it is a pretty good warning device.

Let it scrape.

remove the bugger. i did..

NO more scraping here! :tu

hmm, alright, i don't want to affect airflow since i'm already experiencing the melting hood scoop (i need all the cooling i can get!!!)..maybe i'll leave it on for now and see if it cracks or breaks off as i continue to scrape it...thanks for the opinions

Kelly Girl - have you experineced any problems since taking it off?

I haven't experience any problems. I cut about 1/2 an inch off mine and it works fine. Is your car lowered? Just scrape it. Doesn't hurt anything. It actually flexes.

yeah, i think i'll just scrape it...the car isn't lowered....it's stock height

i riped mine off.. hahah.. daym thing was falling off due to hitting crap.. so i just riped it off

LOL! I think I may have taken off more from mine. Anyway, I need to make more clearance for some coils soon anyway:) + the fact that I may be picking up some 16's soon.


Yeah dude just scrape it. I think if you cut it, it would really be noticable and might look funny.

Yeah, you wouldn't want anyone to think you drive a funny-looking car, right?

Why not back into your driveway?

I tried that too, i think it made it scrape even worse:sad:

Took mine off as well couple of years ago and plan to do the same with the JCW 09. In NYC, you either take it off or Houston Street will take care of it for you :lol:

Depends on what your car is used for. It supposed to add some stability to the car at higher speeds. If you drive in NYC, it is not going to matter much without it. I would leave it if you drive a lot of higher speeds on the highway.

If you cannot repave the driveway or move or get bigger tires or remove it or trim it or replace it with something smaller, I am afraid you may be running out of choices. What you should do depends on the function of the car.

This might be another option for you as I just saw this in the new Griot's Garage Handbook I got today in the mail which is called Driveway Curb Bridge which might help solve your scraping problem entering your driveway:
Price is $299 + $70 S + H

Link:http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1

http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/Grio...0_FAM?$detail$

I was horified the first time I heard the front scrape while exiting a driveway. Fortunately it is only the rubber that was contacting the pavement and virtually undetectable that it was scraped. There is a dip at work that scrapes almost every time and turning diagonal so one wheel hits first does seem to help. The relief in the middle and the fact that at least one wheel remains high helps with a dip, but may not do much for an incline approach angle.

I plan to just leave the strip on and buy a new one if it ever shows signs of wear. Consider it a maintenance item!

I discovered that if I exit my driveway slowly and at a slight angle (so the wheels don't cross the curb at the same time) I don't scrape.

The angle approach also works for me especially on the Porsche. Mini does not scrap anymore because of the bigger tires.

I use the angle approach too. It makes a difference.

If you want to take it off take it off. It's not needed for anything important. Plenty of people have removed it and nobody said they could tell the difference. If you lower the car it's a curb feeler for the bumps!