3.0d 2002. Aluminum engine protection plate / tray removal?

[jmhc]

Hello all,

We have an oil leak on the X5 & I need to remove the metal, ally, engine plate.  This is the one with the two plastic doors to access the sump plug & "I don't now what"?.  It is held on by six 17mm headed bolts, the nuts showing underneath.

I started on a couple only to find that they are not captive & once partially loosened simply spin with no apparent access to get to the bolt head.

I ran out of time over the weekend so will look again this weekend & hope to change oil & filter.  PCV, air, fuel, rear diff & transfer box all being done so far + seized suspension level sensor arm & chaffed cable repair too.

But really need the plate off to find the leak.

Any pointers most gratefully received please.

Thank you,

JMHC.
Shrewsbury.

PS. I have a 1.4 scanner & one for early VAG KKL so if any one needs a hand in the area drop me a PM.

[TimX5]

[quote="jmhc"]
Hello all,

We have an oil leak on the X5 & I need to remove the metal, ally, engine plate.  This is the one with the two plastic doors to access the sump plug & "I don't now what"?.  It is held on by six 17mm bolts, the nuts showing underneath.

I started on a couple only to find that they are not captive & once partially loosened simply spin with no apparent access to get to the bolt head.

I ran out of time over the weekend so will look again this weekend & hope to change oil & filter.  PCV, air, fuel, rear diff & transfer box all being done so far + seized suspension level sensor arm & chaffed cable repair too.

But really need the plate off to find the leak.

Any pointers most gratefully received please.

Thank you,

JMHC.
Shrewsbury.

PS. I have a 1.4 scanner & one for early VAG KKL so if any one needs a hand in the area drop me a PM.
[/quote]

You need to take the front plastic tray of and the rear one which covering the gearbox.

[jmhc]

Hello Tim,  Thank you.

So remove the front plastic under tray that attaches to the bumper (fender US inclusion) AND the rear covering the gearbox?

On the right UK drivers side the lower plastic cover in the wheel arch is missing.  where the drive shaft comes through.  I could feel the bolt head rotating here, but could not gain purchase upon it.

Am I to assume I will need to remove both sides of the lower plastic  inner "mud guard" to gain some access to this front bolt?

And similarly by removing the rear gearbox plastic tray I should be able to get in & get at the two on each side at the rear of the plate?

It was late, getting dark & naturally cold  so I maybe was not fully with it.  The Gin does not help either 

Cheers,

JMHC

[TimX5]

[quote="jmhc"]
Hello Tim,  Thank you.

So remove the front plastic under tray that attaches to the bumper (fender US inclusion) AND the rear covering the gearbox?

On the right UK drivers side the lower plastic cover in the wheel arch is missing.  where the drive shaft comes through.  I could feel the bolt head rotating here, but could not gain purchase upon it.

Am I to assume I will need to remove both sides of the lower plastic  inner "mud guard" to gain some access to this front bolt?

And similarly by removing the rear gearbox plastic tray I should be able to get in & get at the two on each side at the rear of the plate?

It was late, getting dark & naturally cold  so I maybe was not fully with it.  The Gin does not help either 

Cheers,

JMHC
[/quote]

You don't need to remove the plastic guard where the drive shaft goes through , it's a bit of a poor design the nuts not being captive.

[Steamyrotter]

Also as it says on the plate..
You shouldn't drive the car with the plate off or loose as it strengthens the front sub frame...