Fitting a car with aerodynamic styling — such as an aggressive front splitter, widened side skirts, a rear diffuser or a striking boot spoiler — instantly transforms the look and airflow management of your vehicle. However, anyone searching online for bodykits sees huge price differences for parts that appear identical. From bargain bumpers on auction sites to high‑end European brands such as Maxton Design, Rieger Tuning, Ingo Noak and RDX Racedesign, to exclusive autoclaved carbon components.

The price gap almost always comes down to the base material chosen: "Why is a cheap polyester (GRP) bodykit ultimately always false economy?", "What makes thermoformed ABS plastic so unrivalled in flexibility over speed bumps?" and "What is the exact difference between 'Wet Carbon' and 'Pre‑Preg Dry Carbon'?" In this technical engineering guide, the bodywork specialists at Wheels 'N Customs analyse properties such as fracture resistance, 3D laser‑scan OEM fitment, thermal shrinkage and TÜV safety requirements.

ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) is exactly the same thermoplastic polymer that car manufacturers (OEMs) use to produce their original factory bumpers, grille elements and inner liners. ABS parts from top brands are manufactured using computer‑controlled vacuum forming (thermoforming) in heavy steel moulds:

Carbon fibre is the pinnacle in motorsport and the supercar market. By bonding woven carbon threads with a resin matrix you create a composite that is lighter than aluminium and stronger than steel. Within the carbon world there is, however, a huge quality difference between Wet Carbon and Dry Carbon (Pre‑Preg):

GFK (Glasfaserverstärkter Kunststoff), commonly known as fibreglass or polyester, is one of the oldest composite materials. Although it remains popular with budget manufacturers due to the extremely low startup costs (moulds can be cheaply made from plaster or wood), fitting to modern road cars almost always leads to major disappointment:

A front splitter coming loose on the German Autobahn at 200 km/u can have fatal consequences for you and following traffic. Therefore the technicians at Wheels 'N Customs fit body parts strictly according to the official TÜV NORD guidelines:

• Mechanical Fixing (Bolts & Blind Rivets): A front splitter or diffuser must never be secured solely with double-sided tape or self-tapping screws. We use high-quality steel blind rivets and stainless steel M6 bolts with prevailing torque nuts and body washers on the inside of the bumper beam.
• Industrial Polyurethane Body Sealant: Between the plastic component and the original bodywork we apply an elastic, vibration-damping polymer sealant. This seals gaps against draughts, distributes downward force evenly across the bumper and prevents sand or salt water from abrading between the parts.
• The Dangers of Using Only 3M-Tape: Boot spoilers and small spoiler caps can be fitted safely with certified 3M VHB tape, provided the paintwork is thoroughly degreased beforehand with isopropanol and a bonding primer (3M Primer 94) is used. However, reputable workshops do not provide warranty for tape-only fittings in the event of loss at extremely high speeds, in accordance with their terms.
• Always 'Dry' Test Fit First: Always hold each part against the vehicle on the ramp before fitting or any painting. Check that the angles line up correctly and that towing eyes, parking sensors or radar systems are not covered. Once drill holes have been made or protective films removed, the right of withdrawal under article 6:230s BW is forfeited.