156 Sportwagon spoiler

[jhdlr]

I recently took delivery of a 156 Sportwagon 2.5 V6 and I noticed that the gap between the roof spoiler and the roof is filled with a rubber insert - can anyone explain to me why this is so? (the salesman had no explenation) What is the use of the spoiler if the wind cannot pass under it?

[Proteo]

Hello jhdlr,
this question has already been discussed. I remember, that it's so to stop the water running over the rear window. But I ask me like you do, whats the airodynamic sense whith a rubber between roof and spoiler.

[alfistagj]

The rubber flap has no aerodynamic function as the wind passes over the spoiler and NOT between spoiler and rear!
And yes, the rubber flap was put in there to avoid water running onto the rear wind screen.
As I had some V-max problems, I experimented by taking the rubber flap out; it made no difference in respect to speed (= air resistence) and I notice no change in rear wind screen getting more or less wet in rain.
i have been driving without the flap ever since.
My conclusion has been that it's in there for no real reason!