snow tires rubbing

[Jaker200]

Just put on my snow tires that came with the car when i bought them last may. there 185/70/14 i have an ix on billies and h&r springs
the front wheels seem to be hitting the plastic piece on the front of the wheel. the piece seems to be held on by only 3 bolts and was wondering
A) what is it?
B) will it affect anything if i remove it?
i dont want to spend the money of new tires because these were free with the car and brand new if anyone could help it would be appreciated

[AndrewBird]

If the part you are talking about seen here?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1293&mospid=47311&btnr=41_0211&hg=41&fg=10

If it is either #2, 10 or 11, then all that is is a inner fender mud guard. It just keeps stuff from collecting up under the fender. Won't hurt anything to remove it, but the inner fender will be less protected.

[Jaker200]

yeah i live in nh so it snow a lot so my car would be more prone to rusting? i mean its an ix thats been in NH its whole life so its already got a decent amount of rust but these tires will only be on until late march so it shoulnd't be too bad if i dont have them
thanks man

[AndrewBird]

I wouldn't worry about rust much. It won't be any worse with the liners removed. I suppose it is more likely that salt could sit in a crevice somewhere, but the guard doesn't seal 100% anyway. More of a splash guard.

[Jaker200]

alright ill most likely be removing them tomorrow

[Northern]

I just let mine grind off #2 in that realoem diagram anyways... I'm running H&R Race, no spring pads, with 195/70/14s.

Upside: Ground clearance for winter.
Downside: Handles like a truck.

[Jaker200]

I removed them now i have no heat! can these be connected?

[MR 325]

I removed them now i have no heat! can these be connected?

LOL. The fender liner and the heater are not related...

[Jaker200]

thats what i figured i thought it might jsut be a coincidence but just wanted to double check