driving without undertray (gearbox sump one)

[SilverSaloon]

Hi

The plastic undertray that fits to cover up the gearbox sump and flywheel has broken off. Can anyone advise if its OK to drive the car without this attached?

ie will water spray/grit/stones etc cause damage to the stuff thats now 'revealed'?

i would take it easy (not more than 50mph).

I need to know if its OK whilst my new part arrives or whether I should avoid using the car.

thanks

Derek

 

[Dieselman]

It's officially an antinoise capsule but serves as an aerodynamic aid as well. It's safe to drive as long as what is left is secure.

 

[Smiley]

I think you will be OK - there are a fair few with them missing anyway!

Dont forget to get the new thread inserts that the self tapping bolts screw into when you get the new one.

I assume they are not too expensive (the tray that is)?

 

[SilverSaloon]

does anyone have a link to them on the EPC?

i've emailed my usual 2nd hand parts supplier but yet to get a response...

 

[Dieselman]

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.433&CT=F&cat=44R&SID=52&SGR=045&SGN=02

A1245209523 = £125.84

 

[Andy W]

Mine got torn off while off roading, I did replace it much later on, as well as some protection it is as said prior an aero dynamic aid.

 

[Smiley]

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.433&CT=F&cat=44R&SID=52&SGR=045&SGN=02

A1245209523 = £125.84

Ouch! It will be a second hand one then!

 

[SilverSaloon]

even worse - its A1245203424 that i actually need:

£192.47 and thats with discount!!!

second hand it is then!! or just try and fabricate my own!

 

[grober]

Assuming you dont need the sound deadening -well you havn't got it at the moment? I suggest you get the composite petrol engine undertray item 5 here http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.430&CT=F&cat=501&SID=52&SGR=030&SGN=01
It doesn't have the sound deadening but should help the aerodynamics/ keeping the engine compartment clean and it costs £15. There may be minor fitting differences to research first but I think it should fit??

 

[SilverSaloon]

Assuming you dont need the sound deadening -well you havn't got it at the moment? I suggest you get the composite petrol engine undertray item 5 here http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.430&CT=F&cat=501&SID=52&SGR=030&SGN=01
It doesn't have the sound deadening but should help the aerodynamics/ keeping the engine compartment clean and it costs £15. There may be minor fitting differences to research first but I think it should fit??

certainly may be worth investigating this to do the repair to my broken one if need be - i still have half of it!!

but its the rearward trim i need - highlighted in yellow in attached pic. Not sure if the petrol one has this trim? i have the rare metal engine sump guard on my car which luckily is fine

the sound deadening was pretty much disintigrated anyway - there was a howto in the Gazette on fitting new stuff to it from a camp shop.... which i planned to do at some stage.

 

[grober]

All I can say is that many petrol engined cars do with just the front section. which smooths the airflow past the vital suspension/crossmember line. The rest is left open to the elements. Obviously the smoother the underbody the better but I'm betting the aerodynamic law of diminishing returns applies here. Your gearbox may run a little cooler too. Other wise breakers yard is the only economic solution. Its great that you probably still get a bona fide one from Merc tho.:bannana:

 

[SilverSaloon]

yes i agree. i've contacted a few breakers to see if i can get the part at a more realistic price.

But the gearbox cooling may be a good point - especially as i tow a caravan.

 

[bolide]

I'm sure you can run with the gearbox sh1tshield removed. But if you remove the engine one, and drive the car, the front of the gearbox shield vibrates up & down and makes a drumming noise

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[davidjpowell]

I'll add a bit too - I had a renault 5 long time ago, which had lost its undertray. Not too much of a problem most of the time, but in very heavy rain / spray at motorways speed it would become a 2/3 cylinder engine as the plugs got wet. But just realised that your car is diesel so will shut up now!

David

 

[SilverSaloon]

Hi. thanks for everyones input.

It appears it will be fine to drive the car without the undertray as a tempory measure until i can source a 2nd hand replacement.

thanks

derek

 

[SilverSaloon]

just updating this - only got round to refitting both the engine undershield and a gearbox undershield

never had a problem whilst they were both off the car