[TheTony]

I just noticed the following a few days ago when I was washing my car and got down low to wipe the lowest part of the rocker panels on the passenger side. It's several inches from the leading edge of the rocker, and right below where the leading edge of the door. I've had the 3 for a few months and never noticed it until now - it's not something you'll notice unless you're crouched low and looking.

Best I can figure is that it might be the "foil tape" used on the bottom of the rocker panel, between it and the trim piece that goes in below it. It can be seen in this photo from @Mike in his rustproofing thread:

I don't want to mess with it too much, but it definitely shouldn't be sticking out as far as it is. It's definitely metallic - perhaps a thin strip of tin or some material adhered to the rocker to cover an open port, etc.

It's not a big deal in the least. However, I'll probably bring it to the attention of the service folks and see how they want to handle it, since it seems like something that I should have addressed at some point. While it doesn't stick out much, I don't want it to come out if it shouldn't or scrape against the painted rocker.

I'm curious if anyone knows with certainty what this piece is, what it does, or if anyone else has noticed anything like this on their 3.

 

[Mike]

Best I can figure is that it might be the "foil tape" used on the bottom of the rocker panel, between it and the trim piece that goes in below it.

I'd agree with your assessment.

Is the space between the rocker trim and the body metal uniform along the whole length?

Or is the space widened simply where this body foil sheet is?

 

[TheTony]

I'd agree with your assessment.

Is the space between the rocker trim and the body metal uniform along the whole length?

Or is the space widened simply where this body foil sheet is?

I don't believe the space is widened in that particular spot, but I will double check today and verify that.

This metal material just seems like it is too large and protrudes out of that space a little. I suppose it could have shifted to where it is. While I didn't pull on it, I doubt it'll give if I do. Just pressing on the edge didn't move it at all. Which would make sense if it was adhered to the bottom of the rocker assembly.

 

[Mike]

However, I'll probably bring it to the attention of the service folks and see how they want to handle it, since it seems like something that I should have addressed at some point.

I would.

 

[drgreenberg]

I just found this by searching for the same issue and want to confirm that you aren’t the only one. I initially thought I’d either picked up a piece of foil along the way somehow or that my detailer, who installed rocker panel PPF, had inserted foil for some reason (to protect paint while cutting film, perhaps) and that a piece had gotten jammed and tore off. Now I realize it’s part of the car and will ask the SC to address it at my next visit.

 

[BobTheLoveGoat]

Mine had this and I brought it to the service center. They stated it was insulation and cut it back.

 

[Frully]

Looks like a foreign object...can you pull it with tweezers?

 

[garsh]

I wouldn't try cutting it - you'd likely cut into the car's paint.

My guess is that it's a piece of leftover wrapping from the rocker panel. I agree with Frully - just try pulling it out with some tool that can grab it. Otherwise, leave it be.

 

[SoFlaModel3]

Can you tuck it back in and forget it?