How vital is the plasitc under the engine?

[benDASHDASH]

Is that plastic "shield" under the engine important to keep on the car? I don't like having to take it off/on every time i need to look under there, but I also don't want mud or whatever getting in the belts. So how vital is it?

[rs4pro3]

I pulled it off once then drove threw a big rainstorm, my alternator belt kept slipping and the battery light would come on going up hills, it went back on that evening.

[Jordan]

I don't have a undertray on my car, as nothing would fit my front end properly.

I've never experienced the problem Ely was talking about. Then again I have brand new belts and adjuster brackets.

I plan to make a complete and custom front undertray when I can get my car up on the lift at work on the weekend. Big sheet of plastic formed to fit with heat... mmm.

As far as I am concerned the stock undertray serves as a aerodynamic part, and thats about it. You don't "need" it.

[uofom3]

it helps create down force on the front of the car, or at least reduce lift, and protect your belts from water... that's it, but if you want to replace it i bet you could find one at a wreckign yard for nothing... Jordan, have you tried just cutting up a factory one??? one from a us e30 m3 might have a better fit for your bumper system??

[Rob]

aerodynamic effects are all but useless on 95% of the cars on here.

[Ryan Stewart]

Its much more likely to reduce noise for the most of us.

[bmwannabe]

all mine is good for is collecting oil from my oil leak. then when i park on my g/f's inclined driveway it all spills out and her dad gets pissed. I guess i need to fix that.

[Jordan]

all mine is good for is collecting oil from my oil leak. then when i park on my g/f's inclined driveway it all spills out and her dad gets pissed.

[T.Dot E30]

Mine has been off, for the longest while, too lazy to put it back on and dont feel the need.

aerodynamics?? lol like a little piece of plastic is gonna help an e30 out much. the design of the car doesn't help

[DaN]

i didnt even know they had undertrays, what year did this start?

[rs4pro3]

It was a very heavy rain storm, none of my other e30's had one and I never had a problem on them.

[BS87]

Mine has been off, for the longest while, too lazy to put it back on and dont feel the need.

aerodynamics?? lol like a little piece of plastic is gonna help an e30 out much. the design of the car doesn't help

Yeah, 1 piece of plastic isn't going to help the whole "Brick with 4 wheels" thing.

[Jordan]

Mine has been off, for the longest while, too lazy to put it back on and dont feel the need.

aerodynamics?? lol like a little piece of plastic is gonna help an e30 out much. the design of the car doesn't help

Yeah, 1 piece of plastic isn't going to help the whole "Brick with 4 wheels" thing.

The stock panel may not help, but I promise you it doesnt hurt.

It will absolutely reduce the lift effect at speed. Smoother the air flow under the car the better.

[///M Powered]

which models did these come stock on?

<--- doesn't have one and has never had a problem in "bad" weather.

[BMW BMXER]

Plastic under tray??

I don't have one, never did.