On the way into work tonight on base i hit something on the free way.... didnt see it nor did i feel it.. but it did some damage .. Can anyone tell me what this is hanging ,,...?? this is from the front right tire looking under and in. Thank you

 

So with the help of my Captain here is what go destroyed , we where able to crawl under (he was) lol and remove it.

 

so when it comes down to it .... is this part needed...?? im part.com and looking at thje replacment and the skid plate is still on the car . so the part is 40 bucks plus the brackets at 22.80 a piece x2. all in all 100 bucks in the end with shipping .... do i need this or i can save the 100$ for beer......... Thanks guys !

 

Your captain is a good man, I know a butter bar that would not help with cars cause "it is an enlisted men's work!"

I believe that is the cover for the oil pan among many other goodies. For my W220, that needs to be removed in order to drain the oil pan and other fluids. There is also a tube, which looks like your car has too, that directs air into whatever it is connected to. I assume its the entire engine to cool it off.

Did you try looking at the area where it got ripped off to see if you can put it back in place? It is either held by screws or those push buttons thing. For a quick fix, use zip ties! I did that for my sister's dying CLK. I would try to fix it because I run over puddles of water often.

 

Yes better to have, debris could propel up into the front of the engine just like what happened. It saved you once. Also if you a big puddle it will block some water that can cause your belt to get wet and some other electrical components that really shouldn't be blasted with water while hot. Belt can slip and could jump a rib on the pulleys if rpms are high enough.

Is it needed ?,not exactly . But why take a chance ....
Whatever you hit could of did more damage if this plastic cover wasn't there.

 

awesome thanks guys, i went ahead and ordered the parts. 90$ is well worth the piece of mind.