Buy Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Fender Liner Or Splash Shield

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz CLA250 fender liner-also called a wheel-well liner, inner fender, splash shield, or wheel-arch guard-is a shaped plastic panel that snaps inside each wheel arch. It keeps stones, rainwater, road salt, and mud from battering wiring, brakes, and body metal; it also smooths airflow and helps quiet the cabin. Most liners are molded from tough, water-proof polypropylene, the same thermoplastic used for many automotive trim parts. When a liner cracks or pulls loose, replacing it quickly protects the car's paint, electronics, and fuel economy. (Wikipedia, Auto Moto, Marlin Wire)

Part Basics

• The liner curves around the tire from bumper to rocker panel, forming a "second wall" that debris must hit before it can reach fragile parts. (Auto Moto)
• Mercedes made two CLA250 generations-C117 (2014-2019) and C118 (2020-present). Both use bolt-in plastic liners, but mounting-hole patterns differ slightly between years and between front, rear, left, and right sides. Always match your build year and body code when ordering. (Wikipedia)

Protection Role

• Shields the turbocharged M270/M282 engine bay from splash that can corrode pulleys or short wiring. (CarParts)
• Stops gravel and ice from chipping paint on the inner fender, helping prevent rust bubbles along the wheel arch. (Reddit)
• Deflects water away from drive-belt grooves so the belt keeps proper tension in heavy rain. (CarParts)

Added Benefits

• Smoother wheel-well airflow trims aerodynamic drag and can improve highway fuel efficiency by a measurable margin. (SAE International, IJERT)
• The liner's curved shape also lessens turbulence that would otherwise roar into the cabin, making the ride noticeably quieter. (ResoNix)

Materials

• Modern CLA liners are injection-molded polypropylene (PP). PP resists chemicals, absorbs below 0.01 % water, and stays flexible to about 180 °F-ideal for hot, wet wheel wells. (Marlin Wire)
• Some premium versions add a felt-like fiber layer bonded to the plastic. Tests show fiber layers cut tire "slap" noise by several decibels. (SAE International)

Fit & Variations

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When to Replace

• Big cracks, missing chunks, or a liner rubbing the tire are clear signs.
• After a bumper impact or curb strike, check the liner for hidden tears. (Reddit)
• If you notice louder road noise than usual, inspect the felt backing for damage. (ResoNix)

DIY Replacement

1. Turn the steering wheel to expose the liner edge.
2. Pop out plastic clips with a trim-tool or flat screwdriver.
3. Remove Torx screws along the bumper seam.
4. Slide out the old splash shield and test-fit the new one.
5. Re-install clips; replace any that stretched or broke.
   Average first-timer time: about one hour per side on jack stands. (CarParts, YouTube)

Maintenance Tips

• Rinse salt from wheel wells after winter driving to keep clips from seizing. (Reddit)
• During tire rotations, give the liner a quick tug-if it feels loose, tighten fasteners before it catches the tread. (Reddit)

Cost Factors

• New plastic liners run from roughly $30 to $150 each, depending on side and option cut-outs.
• Body-shop labor averages one hour, billed between $75 and $150. (Reddit)
• DIY saves labor but budget for extra clips (they cost only a few dollars yet are easy to break). (CarParts)

Aerodynamics & Noise

Wind-tunnel studies show wheels add about 25 % of a car's drag; lining the arch helps tame that swirling air. (IJERT) Fiber-layer liners, like those used on many luxury cars, absorb tire splash sounds and can cut interior noise by up to 3 dB on coarse asphalt. (ResoNix)

Environmental Note

Polypropylene is widely recyclable. When you replace a damaged liner, ask the shop to send the old one to plastic recycling instead of landfill. (Marlin Wire)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is a fender liner?
A: It's a molded plastic or fiber-backed shield that lines the wheel arch to block water, stones, and dirt from reaching the engine bay or body metal. (Wikipedia)

Q: Is it the same as a splash shield?
A: Yes. "Splash shield," "wheel-well liner," "inner fender," and "splash guard" are everyday names for the same part. (Auto Moto)

Q: Can I drive my CLA250 with the liner missing?
A: The car will move, but you risk corrosion, loose wiring, and extra road noise-especially in wet weather-so it's best to replace it promptly. (Reddit)

Q: What tools do I need to swap one?
A: Basic tools: Phillips or Torx driver, 8-mm socket, and a trim-clip puller. Many jobs finish in under an hour per side. (CarParts)

Q: Do front and rear liners interchange?
A: No. Each corner has its own shape and mounting pattern. Always order by VIN or by "front-LH," "front-RH," etc. (Wikipedia)

Q: Why is mine felt-covered?
A: Some liners use a fiber layer to reduce tire noise and improve cabin comfort. (ResoNix)

Q: How often should I inspect it?
A: A quick look at every oil change is enough-check for cracks, missing fasteners, or rubbing marks. (Reddit)

Q: Are aftermarket clips okay?
A: Yes, as long as the head size and grip length match the originals so the liner stays snug. (CarParts)

Q: Will changing wheels affect the liner?
A: Oversized tires can rub; always test clearance with suspension at full lock and full compression. (Wikipedia)

Q: Does the liner help fuel economy?
A: A smoother wheel well reduces drag, which can give a small boost in highway mpg. (SAE International, IJERT)

Q: Could a loose liner trigger warning lights?
A: If it snags ABS wiring or rubs through sensor cables, dash lights can appear-another good reason to keep the liner tight. (Reddit)

Q: Is polypropylene heat-safe near the brakes?
A: Yes; PP stays stable up to about 180 °F, well above normal wheel-well temperatures. (Marlin Wire)

Q: Are there recalls for CLA250 liners?
A: No recalls specifically target the liner, but you can always search the NHTSA database for open campaigns on your VIN. (Reddit)

Q: Can I sound-proof the liner?
A: Adding lightweight damping mat to the inside of the liner cuts road roar without adding much weight. (ResoNix)

Q: How do I recycle the old one?
A: Many municipal centers take #5 plastic (PP). Rinse off mud, remove metal clips, and place it in the hard-plastic bin. (Marlin Wire)