New XJL and mud flaps
 

Hi All,

After many weeks back and to the dealer I finally picked up my 2012 XJL in rhodium silver earlier this week.

Absolutely love the car.

I notice that I get dirt splashed up the side of the car within microseconds of it being cleaned. Has anyone fitted mud flaps/splash guards? Any pictures?

Thanks to all who answered my earlier questions. This site was instrumental in my purchase process.

Cheers!

Hello,

We initially had our XJ delivered with mud flaps fitted, as we do get the odd spot of rain in London ;). However, after about a week I took them off. I found them to be aesthetically very displeasing. For me, they really ruin the lines of the car, especially the rear mud flaps. It made the XJ look quite dumpy and clumsy from the rear (I realise this is very subjective, and other people might not be bothered at all).

I suppose it's just a question of whether or not their function outweighs the detrimental visual impact that they have (to my eye).

I have attached the only photo I have to hand with the mud flaps fitted. I'll see if I can find another one taken dead on from the rear (as this is the least flattering angle, in my opinion).

Attachment 164173

EDIT: Sorry, can't find other photos right now. I've added a close-up of one of the rear mud-flaps.

Attachment 164174

+1 You're right! "The detrimental visual impact " goes beyond the pall!!!!

Thanks for taking the time to post your photos. It doesn't look too bad to my eye but I can see your point. I noticed they were just black plastic when i checked them out at the dealer's parts dept. Since my car is silver they would stand out even more than on yours.

Based on your feedback I think I will pass for now. The dealer offers a free car wash for the life of the car so I think I will just use that more often.

Thanks very much for the help!!!!

You can now paint flexible plastic with, guess what, flexible paint ! I don't know where you get if from though. It might be an additive to normal car paint.

Here's something on painting a plastic bumper cover....

Paint a plastic bumper cover

I have them on my 2011 XJL Superchargerd they are painted the same color as the car. I like the look.

I have them installed, front and rear, on my SWB XJ w/ Speed and Sport packs. I think they add to the aggressiveness of the packs wheels, and visually lower the ride height a bit.
@jaguarusa XJ looking even sexier, freshly tinted. #Alive on Twitpic

i think the flaps ruin the flow of the car.

This is one of those esthtic things like wheels, color. XJ vs. XJL where it comes down to personal preference. I happen to like the look of mud flaps. Had a set on a SC and putting them on the SS.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/a...ine=1362414294

I'm sure the mudflaps help a bit but, I doubt they keep a significant amount of debris off the car......

Keep them off, they take away from the look of the car.

Also, don't forget to take into consideration, mud flaps themselves rub the paint off the car. Combination of small rocks getting stuck between them and the panels and them just generally slightly moving around. So, if you decide to take them off down the road, you will have scratched/scuffed body panels in all four corners.

Another reason i have never liked them, as i have had them on previous car.

My two cents, for what it's worth, is take them off. I had been thinking about putting them on mine but after seeing your pics (beautiful car and setting by the way) I think they take away from the lines. Not sure how much benefit either.

I removed them from the SC above to put them on the SS and I didn't see any of what you suggest above. You could always put some clear film on the areas where the mud flaps touch the fenders?

How long did you have it on the SC XJ?

My previous car had it on there for a 2 years i believe and they really screwed up the paint on the car. But, putting clear film is a good suggestion.

Eventhough my XJ is filthy from the road salt and melting of the recent 10" of snow, I took a pic to hopefully better show what/how much protection the mudflaps offer - especially for the front.
As you can see, the front flaps keep the lower side sills relatively clear. (Lessening dirty pant legs when entering/exiting etc...) Rear flaps, though not quite clear in pic, keep rear bumper clear.
Pic of my XJ SWB better showing mudflaps protection. on Twitpic

Fortunately in Florida we don't have to deal with salt on the road, however I can see how wet roads will throw all kinds of dirt on the sides of the car and can make it unsightly, resulting of course in having to wash the car.

The question is, do the flaps offset the 3-5 days your car goes without a wash and accumulates dirt in the protected areas?

I think I prefer to see a little dirt on my car, but time will tell.

It's like everything...if you get used to looking at it, you can become accustomed to the look with flaps. I'll have to see how bad it gets when the rainy season starts in Florida...I may just reconsider.

Also will protect form pebbles coming up.
Little chips infront and behind the wheel well.

Mud flaps should NOT damage the car in any way, especially OEM-fitted ones. Has Jaguar Customer Service been consulted in the examples where their OEM mud flaps caused paint damage to the vehicle? Just curious?