Metal under panel for for E36

[Theo]

Hey guys,

I am on my third under panel and they keep falling off. `Isnt there an after market under panel out there that bolts on tighter and stays put???

I hate that dam thing!!!

I found this one. Anybody have experiance with this piece? I am thinking about getting it since the factory pieces are shit and keep coming loose and falling off.

http://jtdesigns.stores.yahoo.net/alunpan.html

[Theo]

=( No one I guess has had to deal with this.

Ok I think I am going to get the metal panel. I dont want to have to do this a third time.

[FC]

I had the same issue with my POS 190D 2.2. I gave up and kept it off. Eventually the same thing happened to the 190E 2.6. I also took it off for good. :dunno:

[Theo]

I also thoguht about this but without it the engine and belts are really exposed to the road and elements. I dont think I want to take that chance.

=(

[Josh (PA)]

I also thoguht about this but without it the engine and belts are really exposed to the road and elements. I dont think I want to take that chance.

=(

Be sure it fits. It says "all models except m3 lightweight". The only reason I suspect it wouldn't fit the lightweight would be the cross bracing which our convertibles also have. If you do get it, please post a review, I might be interested. FYI, I drove without an under panel on my old convertible for about 6months with no ill effects. I do agree it provides some protection to the pulleys and belts from road debris

Edit: after re-reading the add, there are some scary typos (not that I'm one to talk) I'd look for some online reviews prior to purchase

[Doug]

The JTD panel is a good product

[Theo]

Be sure it fits. It says "all models except m3 lightweight". The only reason I suspect it wouldn't fit the lightweight would be the cross bracing which our convertibles also have. If you do get it, please post a review, I might be interested. FYI, I drove without an under panel on my old convertible for about 6months with no ill effects. I do agree it provides some protection to the pulleys and belts from road debris

Edit: after re-reading the add, there are some scary typos (not that I'm one to talk) I'd look for some online reviews prior to purchase

I am pretty sure I am getting it. I have been hearing about this product for some time. I think that site is a reseller and the typos belong to them.

I will post after I get it installed.

I had replaced ALL the conponets once before with all new pieces from Bav Auto. I can only think of one instance since then were I slightly bottomed out going up a steep driveway with four people in the car. If that DAM ****ing stock crap cant survive one slight instance like that then **** it, I am going aftermarket. Sorry for the rant, just kind of pissed at the car right now.

Not to mention that DAM O ring sqeek from the steering wheel that poped up again. I hate that noise.

[Pinecone]

It probably doesn't fit LTWs because they have a splitter that includes the under panel.

[iateyourcheese]

Is the oilpan on the LTW different, or was that a "trunk option"?

[Pinecone]

The special oil pan came in the trunk or was ordered once you got the car (early versus late delivery). It was not installed unless the customer requested and it would cause engine warranty problems.

I don't think it sticks down any lower, just wider sump, along with the sepcial oil pump that scavenges oil from the front of the pan.

[Doug]

I believe the oilpan was deeper too.

[Theo]

Ok I ordered it last night. $172 with shipping and handling.

I will post a review after I get it installed.

Now about that dam o ring squeek in the steering wheel!!

[Theo]

It probably doesn't fit LTWs because they have a splitter that includes the under panel.

Speaking of the LTW, do you have any nice interior/ exterior shots of that beauty?? =)

[Rob]

I had a metal under panel installed when I had the M3. It did the job and never fell off. The stock ones will sooner or later b/c you will hit a parking curb sooner or later - just once can be enough.

Mine was custom made for my independent mechanic (All German Auto), but I can't imagine they are that hard to produce. It's just a piece of metal in a certain shape with screw holes in certain places.

[Pinecone]

Speaking of the LTW, do you have any nice interior/ exterior shots of that beauty?? =)

Isn't there one in my sig???

Other than that, check out www.TeamWTF.org There are some autocross shots of the car there.