[canman111]

Hi guys,

Question for you,

I was removing my front belly pan to inspect something when i noticed that this other smaller squareish piece was leaning on it.
From memory when i removed the belly pan to install some parts before, i dont remember this piece being there. ( meaning its fallen recently?)

It looks like this
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0942
Part number 13

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...n/31146850067/


I cant figure out where it belongs, or how it stays up. I thought it slotted into something but it didnt stay there securely. Right now its kind of resting against my belly pan.
Any ideas?

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by canman111

Hi guys,

Question for you,

I was removing my front belly pan to inspect something when i noticed that this other smaller squareish piece was leaning on it.
From memory when i removed the belly pan to install some parts before, i dont remember this piece being there. ( meaning its fallen recently?)

It looks like this
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=31_0942
Part number 13

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...n/31146850067/


I cant figure out where it belongs, or how it stays up. I thought it slotted into something but it didnt stay there securely. Right now its kind of resting against my belly pan.
Any ideas?

If it's part #13 in the diagram, the rearward part (the side with the 2 rings) sort of slides/hooks to the subframe in the area where the (2) is in the diagram. On the forward side, it's held in place with 3 screws (part 14) that screw into 3 white plastic grommet-like pieces (part 15-expanding nut) that are set in the front axle support (part 1). If those screws are over-torqued, the expanding nuts can crack and the hex screws won't hold. I replaced all 3 of my expanding nuts a little while back. While waiting for the parts to arrive, I held it up with a couple of zip ties.

[canman111]

Thanks for your quick response jh_f30
Im not sure how that part would have come off if it is usually attached with 3 screws.
Ill have a look under the car again when i have the chance.
Do you reckon i might need to buy 3x no.15 (and no.14) as well if the part has fallen off?
Is it worth considering if the part is also necessary or should i just not have it in.

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by canman111

Thanks for your quick response jh_f30
Im not sure how that part would have come off if it is usually attached with 3 screws.
Ill have a look under the car again when i have the chance.
Do you reckon i might need to buy 3x no.15 (and no.14) as well if the part has fallen off?
Is it worth considering if the part is also necessary or should i just not have it in.

I agree that it seems very unlikely that all 3 anchor points are faulty. But if so, the parts are super cheap; I just prefer having it there as I assume BMW designed it as such for a reason. Plus, I think the main belly pan anchors into it at a couple of points.

It'd be better if you can get under the belly pan and take some pics so we can try to positively identify what it is. I would call it trapezoidal rather than squarish, so I'm not convinced that what you're seeing is #13.

[canman111]

Thanks for your help.
I'll put up an update when I get under again