Am I the only one who finds the under car Splash shield a pain in the ass?

BravoJohny33 · 11-07-2017, 04:16 PM

Anytime I want to do something I gotta remove 14 screws and I don't have power tools. Such a waste of time.. Plus my splash is broken in one spot a little bit. I think it is adding to the road noise.. I dunno tho. Next time I do work I am thinking about just not putting it back on.

mweisdorfer · 11-07-2017, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BravoJohny33

Anytime I want to do something I gotta remove 14 screws and I don't have power tools. Such a waste of time.. Plus my splash is broken in one spot a little bit. I think it is adding to the road noise.. I dunno tho. Next time I do work I am thinking about just not putting it back on.

If you do that, you will be putting a lot of stress on the other splash shields further back.

Just buy an impact drill and call it good. BMW engineers put it there for a reason, not just because

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...-21P/301999257

PichaDis11 · 11-07-2017, 06:51 PM

I actually do not mind the extra lil protection it gives from road crap these days.

Why do you need to remove it that often though?

LMB335IS · 11-07-2017, 08:51 PM

Took mine off yrs ago and it's never been a issue.

atmosphericM · 11-07-2017, 10:00 PM

I believe these "splash shields" contribute to the aerodynamics of our cars. The air underneath is really important as well as the air over the auto.

I could be wrong though.

Either way.. that's part of wrenching dude.

I feel you though.

Jim_B · 11-07-2017, 10:26 PM

It's not just you; it's a PITA. Plus, if I drop anything while I'm working in the engine bay it never falls through to the ground.

Volasko · 11-07-2017, 10:38 PM

After some work on the front end I decided to do a quick test drive and didn't bother putting it on. The other mid section guards that needed to be tied to said section ended up grabbing the air like a scoop and destroyed themselves (hwy speed mind you). Either all or nothing, but I personally wouldn't for aero reasons. People smarter than you and I thought it was necessary, I tend to believe them

Welcome to NBA Jam · 11-07-2017, 10:48 PM

It's about time I get myself a 3/8 in. impact.

Efthreeoh · 11-08-2017, 05:10 AM

I have a 1/4-drive mini air ratchet (made for under-dash work) that coupled with a 3" 1/4-drive extension bar and 8MM socket makes easy work of removing the 16 screws that secure the engine under panel. However, about two years ago I picked up a Milwaukee M12 Fueled 2453 impact gun for wood working purposes. I use that tool now more often to remove the under panel if I'm not going to fire up the air compressor for other work. The Milwaukee impact gun has 1,200 in/pound (100 lb/ft) of torque and works great for running out the screws securing the panel. It uses the standard 1/4 Hex drive tool bit configuration, so all that is needed is a 1/4 Hex-to 1/4-drive conversion bit to use 1/4-drive sockets with it. It's a compact driver tool that fits under a lifted car nicely. Works great.

Most engine compartment work requires nothing bigger than a 1/4-drive tool, so getting compact a 1/4 Hex drive impact tool will pay back very quickly.

My 2 cents.

NGEE · 11-08-2017, 05:46 AM

BMW engineers put it there to mask all that leaking oil. My garage floor appreciates it.

BeastMode335i · 11-08-2017, 06:19 AM

With the proper tools, it literally takes 30 seconds to take it off though lol..

rsyed07 · 11-08-2017, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGEE

BMW engineers put it there to mask all that leaking oil. My garage floor appreciates it.

^Came for this

The Nightman · 11-08-2017, 10:32 AM

I bought an impact driver just to deal with underbody panels

John 070 · 11-08-2017, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atmosphericM

I believe these "splash shields" contribute to the aerodynamics of our cars. The air underneath is really important as well as the air over the auto.

I could be wrong though.

Either way.. that's part of wrenching dude.

I feel you though.

I think you're right, but I'm glad BMW designed the trap door to change the oil. My Lexus does not have it and people who DIY simply bend it, rather than remove the I dunno 20 screws to drop the plastic (the grommets get looser and loser over time as well if the screws are removed too many times).

The other interesting thing is that both vehicles have a central jack point and again BMW does it better imho, it's metal. Lexus simply has one put the floor jack in a circle with the plastic there...

But yes what a pita to check the power steering pulley, right?

GATORB8 · 11-08-2017, 10:44 AM

In addition to the previously mentioned masking of oil leaks, my car's engine compartment stays significantly cleaner than my truck's which does not have one.

LMB335IS · 11-08-2017, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGEE

BMW engineers put it there to mask all that leaking oil. My garage floor appreciates it.

Exactly. The same "smart" guys that designed the charge pipe, HPFP, VC/gasket, PCV system, etc.

CTinline-six · 11-08-2017, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGEE

BMW engineers put it there to mask all that leaking oil. My garage floor appreciates it.

Which is exactly why I removed it. I like to know when the car is leaking something BEFORE the engine blows up.

I've seen this on a number of E46s and E39s. The car starts leaking and having a problem but the underside is dry so the driver doesn't realize until it is too late. I mean obviously watching the gauges helps too but it seems nobody has enough common sense to do that.

racermp · 11-08-2017, 01:37 PM

u can get a drill for under $20 and put a 8mm on it. then it takes less than a min to take off.

John 070 · 11-08-2017, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMB335IS

Exactly. The same "smart" guys that designed the charge pipe, HPFP, VC/gasket, PCV system, etc.

how about the power steering pulley and the starter motor...

BeastMode335i · 11-08-2017, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMB335IS

Exactly. The same "smart" guys that designed the charge pipe, HPFP, VC/gasket, PCV system, etc.

Lol, those genius's!

NGEE · 11-08-2017, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

I like to know when the car is leaking something BEFORE the engine blows up.

Here is the gauge that tells you whether the car is leaking oil:

AviatorBimmerFL · 11-08-2017, 08:14 PM

Why are people suggesting getting an impact wrench in order to get a couple of 8mm screws holding a plastic tray to the vehicle's undercarriage? Someone even boasted how the impact wrench he purchased for this purpose has 1,000 lbs of torque. lol

What next? Replace the screws after use with new aluminum ones?

11-07-2017, 04:16 PM	#1
BravoJohny33 Major 310 Rep 1,016 Posts Drives: BMW 2010 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	Am I the only one who finds the under car Splash shield a pain in the ass? Anytime I want to do something I gotta remove 14 screws and I don't have power tools. Such a waste of time.. Plus my splash is broken in one spot a little bit. I think it is adding to the road noise.. I dunno tho. Next time I do work I am thinking about just not putting it back on.
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11-07-2017, 06:51 PM	#3
PichaDis11 Colonel 295 Rep 2,203 Posts Drives: E90 N52 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (3)	I actually do not mind the extra lil protection it gives from road crap these days. Why do you need to remove it that often though? __________________ Retrofits: 322, 609, 6FL, 6NR, 6VC, 2TB.. Upgrades: Bilstein B8 Eibach Spring kit
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11-07-2017, 08:51 PM	#4
LMB335IS Sua Sponte 1299 Rep 2,850 Posts Drives: 2013 LMB 335is Join Date: May 2008 Location: FOB FL iTrader: (21) Garage List 2013 BMW 335is [8.84]	Took mine off yrs ago and it's never been a issue. __________________ 335is/DCT-M3 GTS software-M3 drivetrain-M3 GWS-KOMBI-DSC-SZL/MHD/BQ Tuning IG@ClustersandCoding
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11-07-2017, 10:00 PM	#5
atmosphericM Basic Bimmer 520 Rep 935 Posts Drives: E92 328i 6MT ///M Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: B'ham iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i Coupé ... [10.00]	I believe these "splash shields" contribute to the aerodynamics of our cars. The air underneath is really important as well as the air over the auto. I could be wrong though. Either way.. that's part of wrenching dude. I feel you though.
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11-07-2017, 10:26 PM	#6
Jim_B Private 15 Rep 73 Posts Drives: Wife's '09 328i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	It's not just you; it's a PITA. Plus, if I drop anything while I'm working in the engine bay it never falls through to the ground.
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11-07-2017, 10:38 PM	#7
Volasko Colonel 714 Rep 2,607 Posts Drives: 06 330i E90, 18 530xe G30 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 BMW 530e M Sport [9.00] 2006 BMW E90 330i [8.28]	After some work on the front end I decided to do a quick test drive and didn't bother putting it on. The other mid section guards that needed to be tied to said section ended up grabbing the air like a scoop and destroyed themselves (hwy speed mind you). Either all or nothing, but I personally wouldn't for aero reasons. People smarter than you and I thought it was necessary, I tend to believe them
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11-07-2017, 10:48 PM	#8
Welcome to NBA Jam Is it the shoes!? 3885 Rep 5,112 Posts Drives: (Sold) 2011 E92 335i ZMP 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	It's about time I get myself a 3/8 in. impact.
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11-08-2017, 05:10 AM	#9
Efthreeoh General 17428 Rep 18,801 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I have a 1/4-drive mini air ratchet (made for under-dash work) that coupled with a 3" 1/4-drive extension bar and 8MM socket makes easy work of removing the 16 screws that secure the engine under panel. However, about two years ago I picked up a Milwaukee M12 Fueled 2453 impact gun for wood working purposes. I use that tool now more often to remove the under panel if I'm not going to fire up the air compressor for other work. The Milwaukee impact gun has 1,200 in/pound (100 lb/ft) of torque and works great for running out the screws securing the panel. It uses the standard 1/4 Hex drive tool bit configuration, so all that is needed is a 1/4 Hex-to 1/4-drive conversion bit to use 1/4-drive sockets with it. It's a compact driver tool that fits under a lifted car nicely. Works great. Most engine compartment work requires nothing bigger than a 1/4-drive tool, so getting compact a 1/4 Hex drive impact tool will pay back very quickly. My 2 cents. __________________ A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission."
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11-08-2017, 05:46 AM	#10
NGEE Fuck it dude, let's go bowling. 888 Rep 2,480 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Not Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	BMW engineers put it there to mask all that leaking oil. My garage floor appreciates it. __________________ 1M. Previously: '13 135is; '07 E90 335i; '02 325i; '99 Z3; '98 328is; '87 L6; '77 320i
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11-08-2017, 06:19 AM	#11
BeastMode335i Maximus Decimus Meridius 1131 Rep 4,586 Posts Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Down South iTrader: (2)	With the proper tools, it literally takes 30 seconds to take it off though lol.. __________________ F30 335i Melbourne Red Metallic M-Sport Package
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11-08-2017, 10:32 AM	#13
The Nightman Cometh 1092 Rep 1,308 Posts Drives: Boy's Soul Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Boy's Hole iTrader: (4) Garage List E90 LCI "330i& ... [10.00]	I bought an impact driver just to deal with underbody panels
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11-08-2017, 10:44 AM	#15
GATORB8 Captain 225 Rep 807 Posts Drives: 2011 335is 6MT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335is [9.50]	In addition to the previously mentioned masking of oil leaks, my car's engine compartment stays significantly cleaner than my truck's which does not have one.
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11-08-2017, 01:37 PM	#18
racermp Major 190 Rep 937 Posts Drives: F30 330i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (1)	u can get a drill for under $20 and put a 8mm on it. then it takes less than a min to take off.
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11-08-2017, 08:14 PM	#22
AviatorBimmerFL Second Lieutenant 55 Rep 266 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i E92 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (2)	Why are people suggesting getting an impact wrench in order to get a couple of 8mm screws holding a plastic tray to the vehicle's undercarriage? Someone even boasted how the impact wrench he purchased for this purpose has 1,000 lbs of torque. lol What next? Replace the screws after use with new aluminum ones? __________________ 2007 335i E92 FBO \| MHD Stage 2+ 93 octane \| xHP Stage 3 \| Fuel-It! Stage 2 LPFP \| VRSF 7" FMIC \| VRSF Catless Downpipes \| ER Chargepipe \| HKS SSQV4 BOV \| Ultimate Racing CAI
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