Underpanels

[Ritt]

I recently had to remove the underpanel from my M3 to drain the coolant. I still have all three stock plastic pieces, but they're showing cracks and other signs of wear, so I'm thinking about an aftermarket underpanel.

After some searching it looks like there are several to choose from:

Motion Motorsport
SSI Stealth Underpanel (from BimmerWorld)
JTD (from DTM Tuning)

I'm curious what input you guys might have on ease of install, and more importantly, ease of removal when necessary (for whatever maintenance the car might require). I'd like to avoid drilling or cutting on the car but I think all three require at least some.

All opinions appreciated.

[rayesc]

The Motion Motorsport is a favorite. I've not had to remove it due to maintenance, but when I did it was easy. Really solid unit too.

[crisscross]

I made my own, here is the diy I wrote up:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=514375&highlight=underpanel

[BradR127]

I have the Motion Motorsport underpanel.... really nice design and easy to install and remove. I've had to remove it a few times to work on some things, and it's just a matter of removing something like eight screws and eight nuts. Piece of cake.

[Dricebrug]

I, and my buddy, have the SSI. Never had experience with the Motion one... but the SSI is plenty good enough for me. Great for the money.

[KnudsonsM3]

motion motorsports is by far the one to get.

very very well made sturdy piece

[MotionMotorsport]

Thanks for the recommendations, guys. :)

It is definitely a very strong piece with how it fastens directly to the chassis, and really ties the front together solidly. If you want to piggyback our adjustable splitter on at some point in the future, it is the one to have.

[ESMcBlurM3]

Another vote for the MM panel here. I've been running it for a while now and it's been fantastic. Recently added the splitter for double the fun!

[BradR127]

I should also note that I have a Rieger GT front lip, and the Motion Motorsport underpanel does not interfere at all.

[das borgen]

my vote went to the MM after doing my research

plus they were nice over the phone

[funkcommander]

I spent some time under my car yesterday trying to repair a half torn-off bumper (damn those concrete stops in parking lots) and discovered that clearly, the previous owner had the same issue at least once.

When I was under there, I realized that the entire underpanel was gone and that the previous owner had attached the fender liners and support pieces with zip ties in a few places. I was able to do the same thing enough to get it to hold together for a minute, but clearly I've got to do something a little more permanent.

I'm already looking at replacing both liners, the support pieces and the underpanel, so this makes sense. Does this replace the support pieces? From the installation guide it looks like all I need is the MM piece and new fender liners?

Can anyone verify?

[ESMcBlurM3]

I spent some time under my car yesterday trying to repair a half torn-off bumper (damn those concrete stops in parking lots) and discovered that clearly, the previous owner had the same issue at least once.

When I was under there, I realized that the entire underpanel was gone and that the previous owner had attached the fender liners and support pieces with zip ties in a few places. I was able to do the same thing enough to get it to hold together for a minute, but clearly I've got to do something a little more permanent.

I'm already looking at replacing both liners, the support pieces and the underpanel, so this makes sense. Does this replace the support pieces (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=51-71-1-977-117-M9&catalog_description=Support%20Bracket%20for%20Left %20Front%20Fender%20Liner,%20E36%20325i/iC/is,%20318i/is/iC/ti,%20328i/is/iC,%20323is/iC,%20M3%20B30/B32,%20Each%20%20)? From the installation guide it looks like all I need is the MM piece and new fender liners (hhttp://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=51-71-1-977-047-M9&catalog_description=Fender%20Liner%09Left%20Front% 20(2-Door%20Models%20Only),%20E36%20325is/iC,%20318is/iC,%20328is/iC,%20323is/iC,%20M3%20B30/B32%20)

Can anyone verify?

Links aren't working.

I replaced both of my fender liners recently, after already having the MM underpanel installed, and the liners fit perfect, just as they would with the stock underpanel. The MM panel really ties everything together really well and sturdy down there.

I think you may be talking about the pieces commonly referred to as the "porkchops". If so, you won't need them with the MM panel.

[funkcommander]

Links aren't working.

I replaced both of my fender liners recently, after already having the MM underpanel installed, and the liners fit perfect, just as they would with the stock underpanel. The MM panel really ties everything together really well and sturdy down there.

I think you may be talking about the pieces commonly referred to as the "porkchops". If so, you won't need them with the MM panel.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=51-71-1-977-117-M9&catalog_description=Support%20Bracket%20for%20Left %20Front%20Fender%20Liner,%20E36%20325i/iC/is,%20318i/is/iC/ti,%20328i/is/iC,%20323is/iC,%20M3%20B30/B32,%20Each%20%20

I think those are the pieces I was referring to. Once I got under there and saw the stock setup, I was kind of surprised with how flimsy it was.

[greenE36]

Motion Motorsport all the way! I love that panel.. Had a group buy on these last year..

[JPJ]

Motion Motorsport all the way! I love that panel.. Had a group buy on these last year..

Isn't it about time for another group buy on the E36 M3 panel? Lots of interest you could take advantage of here!

[BimmerBoyUSMC]

^ Strongly agree.

[Snakery]

^ Strongly agree.

+1

Motion ?

[Boomerbimmer]

I replaced the original underpanel with a JT metal panel. I replaced all the liners and it was easy to install. Dut to my backing a lowered car on wet grass where the it sat overnight, the panel bent and could not be straightened very well. Naturally this happened a number of times and the really bent up panel was removed. I would be willing for a group buy.

[cgrphotos]

I just bought a SSI over an aluminum panel to replace my old ones. The aluminum panels are so rigid that they can cause your bumper to crack if you hit something while the SSI panel can flex a bit. If you're low, I'd say get the SSI. On top of that, BW has awesome customer service and quick shipping.

BTW, if you need fenderliners, this place has them for like 7 bucks. I just got mine in and they fit perfect...

http://www.rockauto.com/

[Volf]

The MMS panel seems to be the best bet.

[Snakery]

BTW, if you need fenderliners, this place has them for like 7 bucks. I just got mine in and they fit perfect...

http://www.rockauto.com/

Perfect fit, but thinner then stock. I lost one of my rock auto ones after hitting a big puddle.

[Volf]

Perfect fit, but thinner then stock. I lost one of my rock auto ones after hitting a big puddle.

OEM or bust (literally, usually)

You ALWAYS get what you pay for

[tonysbone]

Mm+1

[themadhatter]

Motion has my vote as well, very sturdy.

[langley]

Hell, after reading all this it makes me want go get one. Being broke FTL

[cosmos98mpower]

I just ordered a motion last night pretty pumped :)

[95s52]

Hell, after reading all this it makes me want go get one. Being broke FTL


x2
:bluecry1

[calypsoSA]

Bleh I would love a MM panel but shipping is just too much.,

[khaos]

x2
:bluecry1

Broke college student FTL... :bluecry1

[Ritt]

I can't decide. I have a credit with BW, which makes the SSI attractive, but if MM were to offer a group buy I might jump on it.

Thanks for the input fellas.

[MotionMotorsport]

I can't decide. I have a credit with BW, which makes the SSI attractive, but if MM were to offer a group buy I might jump on it.

Thanks for the input fellas.

Check us out on Facebook and 'like' our page at any rate... ;)

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Motion-Motorsport-LLC/185388271473023

[Ritt]

'Tis done!

[FFXVaMtech97]

Just read the thread and feel the heartbreak of being broke as well. However i would have to pull the trigger on a GB.

[JPJ]

Just read the thread and feel the heartbreak of being broke as well. However i would have to pull the trigger on a GB.

Basically a group buy this week with discount if you "like" the MM page on Facebook. Ordered mine! :)