Audi A6 C4: Best Aftermarket Mudguards/Fenders

Hello everyone,

Just a simple question...
After 18 years, it finally got to my two front tires.
The rust was stronger than the zinc.

The original versions of these things cost around 270 euros.
You can find replicas for around 120-140 euros, which is roughly 50% less.

Now, I don't feel like buying used original parts, having them repainted for a lot of money, and then after 1 or 2 years (or so), they start to show their age. They've also reached that corresponding age.

Does anyone have any recommendations for aftermarket fender liners (manufacturers) that are reliable in terms of metal thickness and fit?

Thank you for your effort, and best regards.
Wool.

Quote:

Does anyone here have any idea which aftermarket fender (manufacturer) can be purchased without being obviously inferior in terms of sheet metal thickness and fit?

Absolutely not! Everything I've experienced so far has been completely worthless. And believe me, I've been doing this professionally for a very, very long time...

Either you find good used ones, or you buy the original.
Most of the garbage isn't even worth the effort it takes to dispose of it.
Fit is a matter of luck.

Sometimes, at someone's explicit request, I use things like that – but it's all just garbage.

Tip: Depending on your negotiation skills or, perhaps, a sufficient intake of Vitamin B, you might be able to obtain a discount, or at the very least, avoid any additional charges .

Hi Uncle BM,

Thank you for your quick response.

That's quite a statement. I'll definitely take that to heart.
Since, in my opinion, it's almost impossible to identify used Kotis as being in good condition (due to potential rust from the inside), I will probably buy new, original ones.

There is this page here: http://www.kfzteile-profis.de
They are offering, as I just discovered, new, supposedly original Kotis for 222 euros per page.
Could it be that they are actually originals?

Best regards,
Wool.

Quote:

Could it be that they are actually originals?

Why not? Perhaps they will purchase larger quantities - then it will work.
A fender, for example, cost (e.g., at Rover) 5 to 10 EUR to manufacture.

Hello.
On Passat 3BG models, as well as similar Golf and Audi models from around the same years (before/after 2000), the reason for rust above the highest point of the wheel arch is a rubber wedge located between the inner fender (plastic) and the metal outer fender. This wedge is apparently intended to prevent vibrations and noise from the inner fender, but over time it rubs against the paint and then the zinc coating on the inside of the metal. This causes the fender to rust from the inside out. It's a design flaw, and it's well-documented online. The galvanized fender wouldn't rust if this wedge wasn't present. Gluing the wedge in place (after removing the rust yourself) prevents this (or, if it had been done from the factory, it would have prevented it).

Just as an addition. It might not apply to an 18-year-old Audi. If that's the case, this post doesn't necessarily need to stay here.

haithamina

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your answers.

Since pretty much all A6 C4 models rust in this area eventually, I had also suspected the inner fender liners or their mounting. Your description therefore obviously also applies to this model.

And yesterday, I negotiated with my parts expert... I still had some credit . Now I'm getting the parts as original for 195 euros per side. That's great. So I also ordered from them.

So, that clarifies it .

Best regards,
Wool.