Z3 Mud Guard Replica Crowd Fund Project

[BrightEs]

I want to share an update on the Z3 mud guard project I've been working on for a few months in my off-time. More images --> https://imgur.com/a/MdFy4jM

My background is in plastics engineering and consumer product development and it has been a hope of mine to recreate these parts and make high-quality replicas available to Z3 owners for some time.
I have recreated the front mud guards in CAD from a 3D scan of a an OEM set I own, correcting for warpage in the parts and ensuring design for manufacturing requirements are met with regards to drafts, gate location, shut off angles, wall thicknesses, etc, etc.


I am currently in the refinement stage of development, checking and improving for fit. Once completed I will be constructing the living-hinge fasteners and moving into an RFQ stage with a set of small-volume CM's.
The next hurdle involves raising funds to construct mold tooling. If all goes well I will be organizing a Kick Starter or crowd funding effort in order to accomplish this.


I am estimating now that a set of molded front replica guards will be roughly $115 to $125 for entry-level contributors. I'd like to get a gauge on interest from the group on how many of you would realistically be looking to contribute to this for a set of these.


If you are a Facebook user you may have found already the BMW Z3 Group poll post regarding this. If you have FB, please share your feedback there. If not, I will count interest on this thread separately.


https://www.facebook.com/groups/BMWZ3Club/permalink/4523947197640359/

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[lotte]

Count me in

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[Wcumoron]

I'm in for a pair but i don't have a bookface.

[BrightEs]

Not a problem on the book of faces. I'm mostly collecting some figures to see if this can get off the ground on its own. If it has a chance from the tally here and on FB I'll post up links to the Kick Starter.

[White Z]

Count me in! I've always wanted them. I don't have Facebook either but if you PM me with an amount and timeframe that would be great...

[MartyBtoo]

I'd like one set of them, just to keep the mud off my rocker panels! Add me to your list.

Marty

PS If you get enough interest in these, I hope you will consider doing the rear mudflaps also.

[s8ilver]

Voted yes when I saw this on FB several hours ago. Nice work!

I have one OE set, but other car could use them too. As you're using LDPE, I imagine these are paintable? Color matched might look kinda cool and different.

[BrightEs]

Voted yes when I saw this on FB several hours ago. Nice work!

I have one OE set, but other car could use them too. As you're using LDPE, I imagine these are paintable? Color matched might look kinda cool and different.

Appreciate the support! That one would be tough though. LDPE is part of the polyolefin family which has really low surface energy compared to other resins. Painting unfortunately won't be an option that would stick for too long.

[spfd72]

Look good. Definitely interested. (Not a FB fan).

[BimmerBreaker]

I'm interested in a set of front and rear mud flaps

[White Z]

+1 with BimmerBreaker on the front and rear. Sorry I didn't say that on my original response. Also, will these fit the standard roadster not just the M version?

[caglar]

+1 for a set though quick question … would the back ones work with a non-m car. Not sure how different the 1.9 rear bumper would be.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[almercado]

+1 for me too, assuming they will work with the non-m car!

[EmmJay]

I would also be interested in a set.

[BrightEs]

Hey all just to be clear this first wave is going to be for front mud guards only and fastening hardware.

The upfront investment cost in the injection mold tooling is upwards of $15k so I will need to make sure this is worth the time and investment on my end before expanding to include the rear set.

The more successful this first drive is though the more likely the rear set can become a reality as well.

[fmcfad01]

Stop devaluing my new in plastic sack front mud flaps!

[ProductUser]

I'm in for a set

[BimmerBreaker]

Maybe I'm doing my math wrong here but at $15k tooling cost, at $125/set, that's 120 sets just to break even and that's not even accounting for shipping cost or the cost to actually make them once the tooling is done. If we assume the net margin is $100, a mere $25 for shipping and production, that's 150 sets that need to be sold just to cover the tooling cost

[Hoyt Clagwell]

I'm just wondering if maybe Whodis could make them more efficiently?

[cleanerPA]

I'd buy these, but would want a full set, front and rear, that works with the M Coupe.

[M triple]

Count me in for a set.

[PhilPhil]

Front and rears, please. I'm in!

[Johnjay2001]

I'm in for a set.

[mpire]

I still don't understand how this is a thing.

These flaps don't actually fit the M rear bumper.

Everyone wants them because they are complete unobtanium, so I'm sure you will sell a lot of them.

[s8ilver]

These flaps don't actually fit the M rear bumper.

I assumed the OP was aware of this fact, as the project is for only front flaps, which is why I signed up for a pair for my M.

Flap on!

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