What is this black thing underneath front bumper

Superfly_M3 · 12-27-2011, 01:38 PM

Hi Guys,

I see two black platic/rubber boxes on either side of the front bumper.
I've bottomed out once on them, and I have no idea what they do. Is it some kind of protective plate, or does it serve a function.

Superfly_M3 · 12-27-2011, 05:26 PM

Really, no one knows?

IND-Distribution · 12-27-2011, 05:37 PM

This felt liner directs air beneath the car, but does not serve a true structural function. They can usually take quite a few light impacts before needing replacement.

They are part number 23 in this photo:

Leonardo629 · 12-27-2011, 07:35 PM

They protect the oil coolers

Superfly_M3 · 12-27-2011, 09:34 PM

Oil coolers huh?

HP Man · 12-28-2011, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leonardo629

They protect the oil coolers

That is a negative. As Ilia noted, these serve no structural function. They may perhaps serve aerodynamic functions at speed, but I don't know. They do not protect any oil cooler.

Superfly_M3 · 12-28-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP Man

That is a negative. As Ilia noted, these serve no structural function. They may perhaps serve aerodynamic functions at speed, but I don't know. They do not protect any oil cooler.

I guess, someone was just trying to be smart about that.

Thanks for the input

TTSam · 03-08-2012, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superfly_M3

I guess, someone was just trying to be smart about that.

Thanks for the input

Sorry to update a few month old thread - but it is the only reference I could find using search for this topic.

Driving close to a parking lot exit curb to pay for parking at a pay machine today, I felt a slight scrape coming from the front of the car.

I thought $%^&# I have scraped the curb with the front bumper or wheel. I got out and looked and the bumper and wheel were both fine.

What I had done was slightly scrape the corner of the black felt thing below the bumper, described in this thread.

Ilia indicates it directs air flow? Upon closer inspection I see that both slides are slightly fuzzy - I assume from previous encounters.

I do find I need to be real slow in approaching any slightly steep driveway or the front underside scrapes. It must be these units that are scraping as they are so low.

DARK_M3 · 03-09-2012, 03:15 PM

It's just the black aero bits under the car. My 370Z had this as an option on the sports package. It provides no structural integrity and as to whether or not it provides any actual function aerodynamically is doubtful. I always called them my speed bump indicators.

Gumulri · 03-24-2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilia@IND

This felt liner directs air beneath the car, but does not serve a true structural function. They can usually take quite a few light impacts before needing replacement.

They are part number 23 in this photo:

so can someone give me the part# of this please

Longbow64 · 03-24-2012, 07:51 PM

Www.realoem.com is a good source for part numbers.

swamp2 · 03-25-2012, 09:48 PM

The parts serve multiple purposes:

-Aerodynamics (small effect)
-Keep water and debris from getting thrown up into the lower front engine compartment area
-A close off of an airflow area to insure proper underhood flow and cooling

They are easy to damage even being really careful. I wrote up a post here with a nice quick/dirty repair guide to fix them rather than replace when damaged.

MMMMM3 · 06-23-2012, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

The parts serve multiple purposes:

-Aerodynamics (small effect)
-Keep water and debris from getting thrown up into the lower front engine compartment area
-A close off of an airflow area to insure proper underhood flow and cooling

They are easy to damage even being really careful. I wrote up a post here with a nice quick/dirty repair guide to fix them rather than replace when damaged.

I've used various search methods, and cannot find your repair guide. I got my 11 month old M3 only 3 weeks ago, and made the mistake of looking under the front bumper to see some minor damage to the felt on the driver's side. Would love to know how to fix it. The plastic tray (oil cooler cover) that comes between the two felt pieces is also sitting a quarter inch lower on the damaged side. How do you tighten it up to make it sit flush with the felt cover again?

Wiretowner · 06-23-2012, 08:56 AM

Left 51 75 7 896 419 & Right 51 75 7 896 420

GetBMWParts.Com showing them for $29.76

Evan@Tischer · 06-26-2012, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiretowner

Left 51 75 7 896 419 & Right 51 75 7 896 420

GetBMWParts.Com showing them for $29.76

Yup, and we keep 'em in stock since they are commonly replaced.

Shop by part # on our site to order. The center covering is 51757899820.

sfbmwboy · 06-27-2012, 01:15 PM

Anyone successfully replace these parts? Are there many screws or fasteners to loosen?

atruelunatic · 07-25-2012, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evan@Tischer

Yup, and we keep 'em in stock since they are commonly replaced.

Shop by part # on our site to order. The center covering is 51757899820.

Do the coverings come with the silver clamps? Mine completely tore off, but the screws are still intact.

leJUNd · 07-25-2012, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfbmwboy

Anyone successfully replace these parts? Are there many screws or fasteners to loosen?

Only a few I think 6 each side.
I am replacing mine tomorrow. It's gone through hell. completely destroyed.

335REGULATION · 08-05-2012, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

The parts serve multiple purposes:

-Aerodynamics (small effect)
-Keep water and debris from getting thrown up into the lower front engine compartment area
-A close off of an airflow area to insure proper underhood flow and cooling

They are easy to damage even being really careful. I wrote up a post here with a nice quick/dirty repair guide to fix them rather than replace when damaged.

If this is so, I'll be replacing mine very soon. My apologies even before asking, but may you tell us what was the source of this information. Thanks in advance!!!

Porschefile · 08-06-2012, 09:31 PM

I don't think they do much of anything. They appear to be aero pieces, but I cut large holes in mine to put brake ducting in, and I did not notice a positive or negative aero effect on track at 140+ mph. They do provide a convenient path for brake ducting.

Beem_mup · 08-27-2013, 11:56 PM

23 51757896420 ENGINE BAY EMI INSULATION TIP, RIGHT

source penske Auto parts. Will be happy to support our vendors, but how about more information and less guessing on the part of posters.

It says EMI insulation. So it insulates the EMI, whatever the hell that is. I will google it now that I now it is supposed to sheild something.

83 bucks at penske. I will get it from getbmwparts

Beem_mup · 08-28-2013, 12:02 AM

Sorry, They have it under:
Vehicle Trim >

51_5860 - SHIELD,ENGINE COMPARTM./UNDERFLOOR PANEL >
(23) 51757896419 ENGINE BAY EMI INSULATION TIP, LEFT

(23) 51757896420 ENGINE BAY EMI INSULATION TIP, RIGHT

12-27-2011, 01:38 PM	#1
Superfly_M3 Captain 72 Rep 959 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	What is this black thing underneath front bumper Hi Guys, I see two black platic/rubber boxes on either side of the front bumper. I've bottomed out once on them, and I have no idea what they do. Is it some kind of protective plate, or does it serve a function. Attached Images
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12-27-2011, 05:26 PM	#2
Superfly_M3 Captain 72 Rep 959 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Really, no one knows?
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12-27-2011, 05:37 PM	#3
IND-Distribution BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 9588 Rep 10,878 Posts Drives: G82 M4 / G87 M2 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago iTrader: (3)	This felt liner directs air beneath the car, but does not serve a true structural function. They can usually take quite a few light impacts before needing replacement. They are part number 23 in this photo: __________________ IND DISTRIBUTION \| 866-963-4520 • INSTAGRAM • YOUTUBE • FACEBOOK • FLICKR
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12-27-2011, 07:35 PM	#4
Leonardo629 Lieutenant Colonel 168 Rep 1,792 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Coupe Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Taiwan iTrader: (10)	They protect the oil coolers
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12-27-2011, 09:34 PM	#5
Superfly_M3 Captain 72 Rep 959 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Oil coolers huh?
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03-09-2012, 03:15 PM	#9
DARK_M3 Banned 105 Rep 1,292 Posts Drives: 08 E90, 89 Grand Wagoneer Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: So Cal iTrader: (3)	It's just the black aero bits under the car. My 370Z had this as an option on the sports package. It provides no structural integrity and as to whether or not it provides any actual function aerodynamically is doubtful. I always called them my speed bump indicators.
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03-24-2012, 07:51 PM	#11
Longbow64 _______ 169 Rep 1,088 Posts Drives: 15 M3, 13 X3 35i MSport Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Orlando iTrader: (4)	Www.realoem.com is a good source for part numbers. __________________ '13 35i M-Sport X3 \| JB4 Stage 1 \| BMS Intake \| H&R Springs \| Gloss black grill \| CF Wrap and Coded by me \| Recaro Child Seats '15 M3 DCT AW/SO \| JB Stage 1 \| RKP Diffuser \| P3 \| M Perf Spoiler \| iND Exterior Trim \| Recaro Child Seat
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03-25-2012, 09:48 PM	#12
swamp2 Lieutenant General 611 Rep 10,407 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Diego, CA USA iTrader: (3)	The parts serve multiple purposes: -Aerodynamics (small effect) -Keep water and debris from getting thrown up into the lower front engine compartment area -A close off of an airflow area to insure proper underhood flow and cooling They are easy to damage even being really careful. I wrote up a post here with a nice quick/dirty repair guide to fix them rather than replace when damaged. __________________ E92 M3 \| Space Gray on Fox Red \| M-DCT \| CF Roof \| RAC RG63 Wheels \| Brembo 380mm BBK \| \| Vorsteiner Ti Exhaust \| Matte Black Grilles/Side Gills/Rear Emblem/Mirrors \| \| Alekshop Back up Camera \| GP Thunders \| BMW Aluminum Pedals \| Elite Angels \| \| XPEL Full Front Wrap \| Hardwired V1 \| Interior Xenon Light Kit \|
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06-23-2012, 08:56 AM	#14
Wiretowner Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Convertible Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Woodbury MN iTrader: (0)	Left 51 75 7 896 419 & Right 51 75 7 896 420 GetBMWParts.Com showing them for $29.76
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06-27-2012, 01:15 PM	#16
sfbmwboy New Member 3 Rep 28 Posts Drives: 2010-M3 Sedan-DCT Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Anyone successfully replace these parts? Are there many screws or fasteners to loosen?
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08-06-2012, 09:31 PM	#20
Porschefile Major 59 Rep 1,250 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tennessee iTrader: (7)	I don't think they do much of anything. They appear to be aero pieces, but I cut large holes in mine to put brake ducting in, and I did not notice a positive or negative aero effect on track at 140+ mph. They do provide a convenient path for brake ducting.
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08-27-2013, 11:56 PM	#21
Beem_mup Old-ish Member 0 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0)	23 51757896420 ENGINE BAY EMI INSULATION TIP, RIGHT source penske Auto parts. Will be happy to support our vendors, but how about more information and less guessing on the part of posters. It says EMI insulation. So it insulates the EMI, whatever the hell that is. I will google it now that I now it is supposed to sheild something. 83 bucks at penske. I will get it from getbmwparts __________________ Nicht In Den Wagen Spucken!
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08-28-2013, 12:02 AM	#22
Beem_mup Old-ish Member 0 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0)	Sorry, They have it under: Vehicle Trim > 51_5860 - SHIELD,ENGINE COMPARTM./UNDERFLOOR PANEL > (23) 51757896419 ENGINE BAY EMI INSULATION TIP, LEFT (23) 51757896420 ENGINE BAY EMI INSULATION TIP, RIGHT __________________ Nicht In Den Wagen Spucken!
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