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Thread: Nobody using engine splash guard (protective plate) at bottom?

  1. #1
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    740iL (E38 '01)

    Nobody using engine splash guard (protective plate) at bottom?

    Noticed that almost none of the videos or DIYs has this protective plate on: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_2217
    Also missing from my car.
    It feels it wouldnt hurt to have it, probably keeps some dirt out especially in rain & snow.
    Any reason why rarely kept on?

    Found an aftermarket one for $57 on Ebay, it's probably worth the price: https://www.ebay.com/itm/51718150223...72.m2749.l2649

    Original is $800: https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...718190402.html

    On my car it will oil also function as a lower-lower oil pan

  2. #2
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    1995 525i/5
    I like to have mine off because it lets me keep an eye on leaks and whatnot.

    Most get damaged by careless mechanics or scraped up in lowered cars so eventually they just get taken off for good.
    1995 525i 5-speed - Thread

  3. #3
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    E38
    hmmmm, maybe it'd be good to "fix" my power steering leaks, ha!
    E38 M Sport 6 Speed MANUAL

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by shanecarmaster1 View Post
    hmmmm, maybe it'd be good to "fix" my power steering leaks, ha!
    Exactly my sentiment

  5. #5
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    There is more to the cover than hiding leaks - it stops air spilling out of the bottom of the engine, forcing it down the sides of the gearbox and over the exhaust. The X shaped cover after that also has mouldings in it to duct the air

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by chrisn7 View Post
    There is more to the cover than hiding leaks - it stops air spilling out of the bottom of the engine, forcing it down the sides of the gearbox and over the exhaust. The X shaped cover after that also has mouldings in it to duct the air
    Does that make a difference on our cars? I know they design things like that on today's supercars and it's extremely effective, but I had a piece of my bumper hanging off once and the car drove no differently!

    Do t
    hese just bolt on, or do I need to obtain fancy fasteners and mounts and such?
    E38 M Sport 6 Speed MANUAL

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by shanecarmaster1 View Post
    Does that make a difference on our cars? I know they design things like that on today's supercars and it's extremely effective, but I had a piece of my bumper hanging off once and the car drove no differently!

    Do t
    hese just bolt on, or do I need to obtain fancy fasteners and mounts and such?
    Haven't got mine yet, but likely just a M8x16 or M8x20 bolt needed. Unsure about this piece though: https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...711909942.html

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by shanecarmaster1 View Post
    Does that make a difference on our cars? I know they design things like that on today's supercars and it's extremely effective, but I had a piece of my bumper hanging off once and the car drove no differently!

    Do t
    hese just bolt on, or do I need to obtain fancy fasteners and mounts and such?
    I would expect a difference, especially on the V12s, as without an increased airflow over the exhausts, I imagine the transmission tunnels and footwells might get a little too warm...

    The undertrays are retained with 1/4 turn quick release BMW-only clips and special 'bolts'.

  9. #9
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    1997 740iL (5/96 build)
    Mine is currently off and will remain off as I go through the final details of my build project completion. But once I am comfortable that things are "ok", I plan on installing my guard/cover; maybe in a few months. I have the oil drain plug access door and I have been collecting the clips and 1/4 turn lock screws.

    example, engine cover.jpg
    1997 740iL; 5/96 build. Purchased 12/04. Off the road build project 2013 - 2021. back on road 3/2021. Became daily driver (only vehicle) 6/12/2021. Still not completed. Stay tuned as the adventure continues.

  10. #10
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    Anybody has the product codes for these clips and 1/4 turn lock screws? Not seeing it on RealOEM

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by georgebest View Post
    Anybody has the product codes for these clips and 1/4 turn lock screws? Not seeing it on RealOEM
    Look under Vehicle Trim / Air duct (- where else? :-)

  12. #12
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    Heh . . I've always had mine on, and anyone who cares about their engine should have theirs too!

    Sure it helps MPG, and sure it helps keep both the engine and your ground clean.

    Why would you purposely take it off?

    Mine is off right NOW as I'm doing work on the front bumper and need it off to do that

    || 1995 740i || M60B40 || DUDMD || ̶o̶r̶i̶e̶n̶t̶ ̶b̶l̶u̶e̶ Mercedes Brilliant Blue Metallic || Style 168 Wheels 1" Spacers ||



  13. #13
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    01 740i, 09 X5, 12 335i
    ^ +1. I keep mine on as well.

    2001 740i Sport - Anthracite Metallic, Gray Interior, 750 Porn Lights, 750 Seat Backs, Hoen Xenon-match Fogs, Crossed drilled, slotted rotors, LED Interior Swap.

  14. #14
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    01 749iM/6 sporty
    I also have the euro transmission cover.bellypan2.jpgbellypan.jpg
    Trevor
    01 749i sporty, build 12/00 "Sports Barge",S62
    92 VW Corrado VR6,AAA
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  15. #15
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    I keep mine on as well. Not having the crap from the road hit the enigne is a plus - and spotting WHERE leaks are is another plus.
    007008, part # for the trans cover?

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by chrisn7 View Post
    Look under Vehicle Trim / Air duct (- where else? :-)
    Lol, thanks, would have never thought to look there! Here you go: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_2207

    I guess it's #24, wonder what is the difference between the two under #24:
    51718218852 https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ew-51718218852
    51718218323 https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...mm-51718218323

    They look the same just different color?
    It doesn't say how many are need, probably 8?
    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by 007008 View Post
    I also have the euro transmission cover.bellypan2.jpgbellypan.jpg
    That looks great, definitely getting them!

  17. #17
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    The difference is colour and length.

    If you buy from eBay, a lotta sellers include the screws with the panel as well

    || 1995 740i || M60B40 || DUDMD || ̶o̶r̶i̶e̶n̶t̶ ̶b̶l̶u̶e̶ Mercedes Brilliant Blue Metallic || Style 168 Wheels 1" Spacers ||



  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by nmlss2006 View Post
    I keep mine on as well. Not having the crap from the road hit the enigne is a plus - and spotting WHERE leaks are is another plus.
    007008, part # for the trans cover?
    http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_2207
    number 8. Then #10. the one that tagged as 5hp24 is the little door and the other is the big door. Also need #9
    Trevor
    01 749i sporty, build 12/00 "Sports Barge",S62
    92 VW Corrado VR6,AAA
    81 Delorean,B28F
    81 VW Rabbit Pickup 1.8T,AWW
    03 VW Passat wagon 4.0 W8 6spd

  19. #19
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    2007 Alpina B7
    Yall have a lot of good reasons for NOT having it on but I like the aerodynamics with it ON!!!
    2000 740i Sport

  20. #20
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    E30 E38 E46 E85 F150 GTI
    The car came from the factory with the cover on so it would drive me nuts to not have it. Mine is pretty grimy but it’s on!
    2000 740i Sport | 2004 330xi | 1988 325i Vert | 2003 Z4 2.5 | 1995 Ford F150 | 2018 GTI

  21. #21
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    2001 740iL Prod 4/2000
    Mine is on as well, the architects of the E38 are way smarter than I....

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldroller View Post
    Mine is on as well, the architects of the E38 are way smarter than I....
    +1

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by georgebest View Post
    Noticed that almost none of the videos or DIYs has this protective plate on: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_2217
    Also missing from my car.
    It feels it wouldnt hurt to have it, probably keeps some dirt out especially in rain & snow.
    Any reason why rarely kept on?

    Found an aftermarket one for $57 on Ebay, it's probably worth the price: https://www.ebay.com/itm/51718150223...72.m2749.l2649

    Original is $800: https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...718190402.html

    On my car it will oil also function as a lower-lower oil pan

    OP, the link and part number you posted is for the aggregate protective plate and looks to be made of metal.
    I have never seen an E38 with one even though the part number is available. Unless the roads are really bad in your area/combine with your car being lowered, I don't think it is needed. One other use could be dirt/rocky roads.


    This is what it looks like (pic from ECS tuning)

    https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/51718190402/


    My regular plastic cover was damaged while driving because the oil opening was not secured properly after some work and came open while driving and ripped part of the main cover off so now i only have a partial cover.
    I've seen that eBay one (and it looks exactly like the OEM one) and have been eyeing it for a while. I can't decide to pull the trigger as i am wondering if it is sturdy.
    If you do pull the trigger on it, can you please report back on quality?

    -Messan
    The above is my 2 cents. Take it or leave it.
    01 Shorty Sporty BLK/BLK

  24. #24
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    '01 740i Sport, '13 Volt
    I had mine off on my last E38 and it was part of the reason the car died, when it drove though a puddle and ingested water in the air intake which is down there. So my current E38 has it installed and will stay installed.

  25. #25
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by 007008 View Post
    I also have the euro transmission cover.bellypan2.jpgbellypan.jpg
    That complete cover is not universal - the hinged section between the heat shields will not fit on the 750s, as the raised triangular section in the middle fouls the 5HP30 gearbox, so has to be omitted. Its possible that section this will not fit 740s with that box either..

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