Cutting wheel arch longer to allow access to change bulbs

[Nathanio]

I must admit I'm amazed at how bad the S3 access is for xenon bulbs. The S2 was a doodle to charge and so is the wife's yeti. 

 

We also have a z4 and that has access panels in the wheel arch liners so you can reach in without having to take the wheel off. 

 

I was wondering if anyone had modified a wheel arch to take a rubber grommet or access panel to make easier? I think a 100mm hole would be all that's needed. 

 

 

[JR RS]

I agree, an access panel, from the wheel arch, of sort would b so handy.

I don't have the skills to fabricate one unfortunately.

[Baxlin]

The Rover 75/MGzt had a headlight bulb access panel in the wheel arch lining, but one of mine went missing.  So I self-tapped a suitably shaped piece of alloy in its place, accessible with the wheel on full lock and a stubby screwdriver.

 

A possible solution?

[Nathanio]

1 hour ago, Baxlin said:

The Rover 75/MGzt had a headlight bulb access panel in the wheel arch lining, but one of mine went missing.  So I self-tapped a suitably shaped piece of alloy in its place, accessible with the wheel on full lock and a stubby screwdriver.

 

A possible solution?

This is sorta what I was thinking or a push in panel grommet. Hole saw it out and then use the lip to hold it in position. 

[Baxlin]

3 hours ago, Nathanio said:

a push in panel grommet. Hole saw it out and then use the lip to hold it in position. 

That would be even better, assuming a large enough grommet is available, and the surface isn’t too curved.  But either would do the job.

Edited 2 July, 2022 by Baxlin

[skomaz]

Chrysler pt cruiser has wheel arch panels for bulb access...   Works well.  Maybe grab some access panels from a scrapper and cut the arch liners to suit?