I have owned my 2007mazda 6i for about 2 months now and noticed that the outside of the wheel well above the reartires are made out of a carpet-like material (almost like the covering material for a subwoofer box). The front wheel wells are plastic all the way around so why aren't the back ones like that? This material does not seem like it will hold upvery well over time, seems like it would deteriorate fast. Is this normal? If so, what is the purpose of this?

 

Hmmm... I was unaware they were using such a material for that. I only drove a 6 series for a couple of days once and never got into the particulars of the car, but I would say it is for it"s sound deadening qualities.
Since some that own 3"s, like I do, complain about road noise, like I don"t, and the 6 is supposed to be a more upscale car, it is just possible that that was their thinking.
I"d be will to bet that it"s more of an indoor/outdoor, weather resistant material that would take a while to deteriorate.

 

I didn't even think about the sound dampening effect, but that makes sense since that is one of the goals with new cars these daysto have less road noise. Thanks for the reply.

 

It's normal. It is for better road noise dampening.