Author Topic: oil pan protective cover, shield, etc (Read 5736 times)

Cobra Jet · « **on:** April 09, 2008, 08:09:45 PM »

I've heard that there is a protective cover, brace, engine shield, etc. that came w/ some 318's and this part (or pieces) protects the oil pan and bottom of engine.

Is this true - and if so, what is the correct terminology for these parts/pieces?

Was it only on certain 318's? Was it a factory part or a part available through BMW aftermarket?

Does anyone have any decent pictures of said part on their cars they could post up, as I'm trying to figure out how it's mounted under the car.... My 318ic does not have any such part/pieces...

Thanks!

colin86325 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 09, 2008, 09:19:04 PM »

Here's the optional stock skid plate for an M20 car:

http://bmwfans.info/original/E30/2-T/325e-M20/USA/L/A/1988/02/mg-51/ill-51_1842/

bmwman91 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2008, 12:24:04 AM »

Here's what you want. The BMW installation hardware is poopoo. I had to order crush-nuts from McMaster and getting them to actually crush into place was an adventure. Still though, it was worth it for me after busting my oil pan 10 miles from cell service, about 180 miles from home. I also promptly sold my Bilsteins & H&R's lol.

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2008, 10:44:38 AM »

Quote from: bmwman91;46647

Here's what you want. The BMW installation hardware is poopoo. I had to order crush-nuts from McMaster and getting them to actually crush into place was an adventure. Still though, it was worth it for me after busting my oil pan 10 miles from cell service, about 180 miles from home. I also promptly sold my Bilsteins & H&R's lol.

Do you have any pics of yours installed? Also, I'm assuming that when you need to perform an oil change, you would have to remove this piece every time?

r0ckrat · « **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2008, 10:55:28 AM »

Are these grills still available?

bmwman91 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2008, 01:06:21 PM »

Quote from: Cobra Jet;46670

Do you have any pics of yours installed? Also, I'm assuming that when you need to perform an oil change, you would have to remove this piece every time?

I may, but I have no idea where I put them.

Oh and I have changed the oil without removing it. You just need to be careful.

Quote from: r0ckrat;46672

Are these grills still available?

Yup. ~$240 at Pelican Parts I think.

hoevesruperd · « **Reply #6 on:** April 10, 2008, 04:58:12 PM »

here's from my restoration thread

Quote from: haledj;40970

the skidplate is a factory option click

johnwoo · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2008, 01:58:55 AM »

thinking about picking this fine gem up before lowering the car. how bad was the install? how complicated was it also

gigicakent · « **Reply #8 on:** April 17, 2010, 03:12:19 AM »

Hello,
i hava a e30 m42b18is, and i have problems with the oil pan, it is to low.
The distance between the oil pan and the ground in 8cm, the suspension is Fk 60/40 mm. What solution do you recomand my? can i use a oil pan protective cover?

colin86325 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 19, 2010, 04:34:07 PM »

You might also want to check out the ones that Peerless sells:

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74760&highlight=severe+duty+skid

bmwman91 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 19, 2010, 05:43:08 PM »

Quote from: johnwoo;48805

thinking about picking this fine gem up before lowering the car. how bad was the install? how complicated was it also

Installation was a bit of a pain. The BMW hardware referenced in parts diagrams is useless. You need to get some crush-nuts & do some drilling. Getting the crush nuts to actually install solidly is a big pain, too.

I would almost recommend welding in some nuts.

ejnight · « **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2010, 03:07:00 PM »

I also make a skid plate for the M42. $165 with hardware and instructions. No welding!

http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=94988#post94988

longtallsally · « **Reply #12 on:** August 21, 2010, 05:12:17 AM »

I'd never down anyone making a quality and easily installed product like ej's, but the Peerless one is THE standard. Some guy on r3v jumped a curb and rolled his down a hill and the oil pan was never touched. If you don't have a welder, it is worth finding someone who does or having a shop do it. I'd suspect you will be bending the unibody at the same time you bust/bend the Peerless one.

YetiX · « **Reply #13 on:** August 21, 2010, 07:29:40 PM »

Quote from: longtallsally;95702

I'd never down anyone making a quality and easily installed product like ej's, but the Peerless one is THE standard. Some guy on r3v jumped a curb and rolled his down a hill and the oil pan was never touched. If you don't have a welder, it is worth finding someone who does or having a shop do it. I'd suspect you will be bending the unibody at the same time you bust/bend the Peerless one.

I just installed the Peerless one a couple of weeks ago and IT IS SOLID. Well worth the cost and finding someone to weld it on.