Karbonius vented fenders review

[Wernd]

I think at the most basic level anyone buying a part like this understands two things. 1 fitment isn't going to be oem perfect. It's pretty damn close so I'm very happy with the fitment. 2 some slight modifications may be needed to make it fit the best. Because of 1 & 2 I feel zero need to contact Karbonius and waste not only their time but my time as well. Because we all know that each individual car is different so the fitment for each will be different, but in my eyes my fitment is great.

It's kind of the same thing for tires, it's why they invented wheel weights. Not every tire is balanced the same so a slight modification to the wheel with a weight will be needed. I certainly wouldn't reach out to bridgestone to tell them to fix the new RE71RS I just mounted

[usdmej]

Unless there is R&D and CFD numbers, the vent is likely more aesthetic than performance

if a company hasn't advertised CFD modelling on a part it's almost always because they haven't done any.
but that's probably for the best in this case, because they advertise that the fenders require no cutting to install, but unless you're chopping up your fender liners or cutting holes in your body, you're probably not venting anything worthwhile through those GT3 replica speed holes

[enjoy_m3]

Unless there is R&D and CFD numbers, the vent is likely more aesthetic than performance. Maybe I can make a better analogy. The haimus airbox is also hand-made and is much cheaper than Karbonius. Karbonius has the reputation, experience and QC to price their products higher than Haimus. So my point is that is doesn't hurt to let them know for possible future improvement.

[tlow98]

For 1k, you have a pair of brand new OE fenders. For 2k plus shipping, I'm setting the bar high for karbonius since that price range should reflect excellent fitment. I don't mind modifying fenders to fit. I would like these fenders for my track car but I wouldn't mind paying lower if I'm expecting to modify them to fit, even slightly. I don't expect aftermarket to fit perfectly but if the price reflects it, it should be worth it. I'd pay 2k if it had CFD R&D and can claim prevention of lift. I understand it's just aesthetics but I'm a function over form kind of guy with an appreciation if form can match function.

Price does not impact quality in all dimensions equally. That just is what it is. There are lots of things that you can pay more for in the world that are worse than cheaper items in certain aspects.

You cannot compare a hand-made carbon fiber part to a machine-made stamped sheet of metal in all dimensions of quality.

One has a homogeneous structure, the other does not. One was made by someone that breathes, eats, and, ahem, probably drinks. The other was not.

Paying more can get you more in certain areas. In this case that is performance - lighter and more aerodynamic.

Compare the CSL trunk made by BMW to the one made by Karbonius. They’re not the same quality or price. There’s a reason. When you’re an expert in manufacturing with the resources of an automotive giant and all the internal IP know-how, how could anyone possibly beat you at your own game? Especially for only twice the cost. No, you’d have to pay a much higher multiple for ‘better’ in every dimension.

[enjoy_m3]

Maybe, but if you’re expecting ANYTHING other than OE to fit like OE then I’d say your expectations are out of like with reality as far as body panels.

then take into account something custom like this that’s wider than stock and vastly different and meant to act as an aero piece. That’s a lot of ands.

For 1k, you have a pair of brand new OE fenders. For 2k plus shipping, I'm setting the bar high for karbonius since that price range should reflect excellent fitment. They're a great company and have excellent products. I just thought it might be worth mentioning to a company that might look into it for further improvement if possible. I don't mind modifying fenders to fit. I would like these fenders for my track car but I wouldn't mind paying lower if I'm expecting to modify them to fit, even slightly. I don't expect all aftermarket to fit perfectly but if the price reflects it, it hopefully is justified. I'm guessing you would be at almost 3k after paint, that 3k should hopefully be worth it to the consumer for a primarily aesthetic modification.

[zzyzx85]

For some reason this one product by them was never really appealing to me. On another note, I now know how it’d look on my car (we have the same color).

I also feel similarly. The RS style vents feel off to me for some reason. I'd prefer just the "normal" style vents without the thin vents.

[Wernd]

You should notify karbonius. Maybe they need to go back and check their QC. That's a little disappointing when thinking about dropping $2k on fenders.

Having to round out a few holes or change the location of a notch isn't that big of a deal. A stone bit in a dremmel had it fixed in under 30 seconds for each. And the top 6 holes right at the hood line may be fine on someone else's car. To me it wasn't a big deal

[tlow98]

You should notify karbonius. Maybe they need to go back and check their QC. That's a little disappointing when thinking about dropping $2k on fenders.

Maybe, but if you’re expecting ANYTHING other than OE to fit like OE then I’d say your expectations are out of like with reality as far as body panels.

then take into account something custom like this that’s wider than stock and vastly different and meant to act as an aero piece. That’s a lot of ands.

[Wernd]

Do you know why your bumper was wider than the stock fenders?

Just trying to do some ricer math as I'm considering those 10mm non-vented fenders with the same size whee land tire.

Stock bumper Mounts have a bit of adjustment to them, so maybe they slide a bit over time. I notice it on quite a few cars

[wahsm]

That would be easy to do. The fins are separate from the fender and can be removed by taking out 2 specialty nuts on each side.

Oh that is interesting.

[Nate047]

18 x 10 et25
Yokohama a052 in 275 I think
Alignment has changed so I'd hate to quote how much negative camber I have at the moment. I'd guess over 2 degrees.

Yes they're reportedly 15mm wider than stock. I would agree with that as my bumper was wider than my stock fenders but now is flush on the passenger side and barely in on the driver's side

Do you know why your bumper was wider than the stock fenders?

Just trying to do some ricer math as I'm considering those 10mm non-vented fenders with the same size whee land tire.

[enjoy_m3]

You should notify karbonius. Maybe they need to go back and check their QC. That's a little disappointing when thinking about dropping $2k on fenders.

[Wernd]

Would you mind sharing your wheel size, tires and alignment specs? These have 15mm extra clearance vs stock correct?

18 x 10 et25
Yokohama a052 in 275 I think
Alignment has changed so I'd hate to quote how much negative camber I have at the moment. I'd guess over 2 degrees.

Yes they're reportedly 15mm wider than stock. I would agree with that as my bumper was wider than my stock fenders but now is flush on the passenger side and barely in on the driver's side

[Wernd]

Would be curious to see what it looks like with the fins painted to match the body colour. Would probably blend in quite well. Probably would want to do some ppf though in that case, cause they not going to look that way for long.

That would be easy to do. The fins are separate from the fender and can be removed by taking out 2 specialty nuts on each side.

[Mattn1192]

For some reason this one product by them was never really appealing to me. On another note, I now know how it’d look on my car (we have the same color).