Buy Mercedes-Benz C240 Fender Liner Or Splash Shield

Quick Summary

The fender liner-also called a wheel-well liner, inner fender guard, splash shield, or mud shield-is a shaped plastic or felt panel that snaps between the tire and body on every 2001-2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 (W203). It blocks road grime and water, quiets road noise, protects wiring, and keeps stones from denting the fender metal. Most liners on the C-Class are made of thermo-formed polypropylene or a PP/PET felt blend, can be replaced with hand tools, and cost far less than repainting a rusted fender. (Wikipedia, Google Patents, Maverick Truck Club)

What It Does

The liner forms a barrier inside the wheel arch. It:

• Stops mud, salt, and pebbles flung by the tire from chipping paint and brake lines. (Wikipedia)
• Cuts splash noise because the felt layer soaks up sound waves. (Maverick Truck Club)
• Directs cooling air toward the brakes while shielding sensitive ABS wiring.
• Keeps engine bay temperatures steadier by sealing gaps around the chassis.

Materials

• Hard shells - injection-molded polypropylene (PP) resists stone strikes and heat. (Google Patents)
• Carpet-style shells - PP/PET felt bonded to plastic; lighter and quieter but absorb water if not washed. (Maverick Truck Club)
• DIY options - Many hobbyists cut ABS sheets or recycled plastic barrel stock when factory panels are unavailable. (YouTube, Tacoma World)

These plastics are widely recyclable under code 5 (PP) at local facilities.

Fitment & Specs

• Chassis - W203 C-Class sedan, wagon, and coupe built 2001-2005 (C240, C230, C320, C32 AMG, C55).
• Typical part numbers - 203 884 15 22 (left-front lower), 203 884 16 22 (right-front lower). (classicparts.mbusa.com)
• Attachment - T25 Torx screws, plastic push-pins, one 8 mm hex bolt.
• Clearances - Stock wheel offset ET 37 prevents tire rub; offsets below ET 30 may hit the liner on dips. (MBWorld)

Signs It's Bad

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A sagging liner can even chafe brake tubes-Mercedes once issued a recall for liners that detached and rubbed metal lines. (NHTSA)

Replacement Steps

1. Turn steering fully away from the side you're fixing or remove the wheel for room.
2. Pop out two plastic rivets and three Torx screws around the wheel arch lip. (MBWorld)
3. Slide the liner forward, then down. Unclip ABS wire grommets.
4. Clean any trapped sand behind the panel.
5. Seat new liner, line up tabs, hand-thread screws, then tighten snug-don't over-torque.
6. Spin wheel and check clearance before driving.

Average garage time: 30-45 minutes per side for a beginner.

Care & Cleaning

• Rinse with a garden hose after winter to flush salt.
• For plastic liners, scrub with all-purpose wheel cleaner, rinse, then mist a spray-on sealant for UV protection. (Reddit, Detailed Image, Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum)
• For carpet-style liners, pressure-wash, let dry, then spray with fabric guard to repel moisture. (Adams Forums, Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum)
• Restore faded black plastic with a trim restorer or mild heat-gun pass. (YouTube)

Safety & Recalls

• 2010 NHTSA bulletin 10V236 - Some front liners could detach and contact brake tubes; dealers refastened or replaced them. (NHTSA)
• Inspect clip holes for elongation; replace any corroded metal screws with stainless.
• After an accident, always check the liner-hidden fender damage often cracks mounting ears.

Eco Notes

Thermo-plastic liners recycle into battery trays, floor mats, or composite lumber. Ask local centers if they accept PP auto plastics. Old felt liners can be separated; cloth goes to energy recovery, plastic backing to regrind. (Google Patents)

Related Upgrades

• Brake-cooling ducts - Many track drivers cut extra vents in new liners to channel air.
• Splash-shield extenders - Rubber flaps that bolt to liner edge keep the engine cradle cleaner.
• Noise-damp pads - Peel-and-stick butyl sheets applied inside the liner reduce gravel pinging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the fender liner do?
A: It shields the wheel well, wiring, and brakes from water, mud, and flying stones, keeping the fender metal from rusting. (Wikipedia)

Q: Is the C240 liner the same as other W203 models?
A: Yes-sedan, wagon, and coupe share the same front liners; only AMG models add brake-cooling cut-outs. (classicparts.mbusa.com)

Q: Can I drive without one?
A: You can, but road spray will quickly cake the engine bay and may corrode brake lines, so it's risky and may violate state road-worthiness rules. (NHTSA)

Q: What tools do I need to replace it?
A: A T25 Torx driver, 8 mm socket or nut-driver, flat trim tool for push-pins, and a jack if you pull the wheel. (MBWorld)

Q: Are liners plastic or fabric?
A: Early liners were rigid PP plastic; newer service parts often add a felt outer layer for noise control. (Maverick Truck Club, Google Patents)

Q: How long does one last?
A: In normal use 8-12 years; curbs, oversized tires, or engine leaks shorten life.

Q: How do I clean a carpet-style liner?
A: Spray with wheel cleaner, scrub with a stiff brush, rinse, let dry, then protect with a fabric sealant. (Reddit, Adams Forums)

Q: Can I recycle the old liner?
A: Yes-most are polypropylene (recycling code 5); check local drop-offs. (Google Patents)

Q: Why does my liner rattle after replacement?
A: Missing screws or warped tabs let it flutter at speed; double-check every fastener and replace broken clips. (MBWorld)

Q: Will wider wheels rub the liner?
A: Offsets lower than ET 30 or tires over 235 mm width may touch the liner on turns and bumps. (MBWorld)