Info about front wheel liner

I'm not sure how to ask this, have searched realoem.com and Bentley...Haven't really found the part...

There is a front wheel liner, on the front of the car under the wheel area, directly in front of the tires, which looks like a mudflap, in reverse. The "flap" is on the front side of the tire. I am wondering what is this for?

What is it supposed to do?

So far, for me, it has been a part I have broken when hitting a parking curb, twice. It sits beneath (lower), and behind, the front bumper, in front of the tires. I've also shredded one by making right hand turns (maybe it was installed incorrectly).

Thanks in advance, and Happy New Year!

Marv

You mean this part? http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...0%29%2C%20Each

My assumption is that the flap is probably used to divert air either under the car or to the brakes for cooling. I'm sure that when the car was in development and they had it in the "wind tunnel" checking how air flowed over & around the car...this little flap was probably designed to affect air flow.

Again, just an assumption on my part..but if it's not for air flow...perhaps it's purpose is a pseudo "plow"....for when there's snow on the ground...this little flap scraps away enough snow in front of the wheels to prevent the car from being bogged down.

Yes, that is the correct part #. I also found it called rock shield and air guide. So who knows?

Q, I doubt it is a snow plow. That only comes on the touring...you would have known that

Aero aid.

I had those on the e38 I had...ripped them off every 3 months and finally I couldn't get them to hold in place without screws. Way more road/wind noise with them missing.

Sadly, the front strip under my bumper on my e39 is a little brushed as well.