Hi
I have a 54 plate 116i, that car is in a good condition. But in doing the last oil change myself I broke the little catch that keeps the oil sump access flap in shut position on the under-tray. I've now obviously taken off the flap and kept it in safe keeping.
Having a quick search for the replacement part I can't easily find it, I could probably get it from BMW with some effort but my question is, is there any need to?
The whole under-tray is in tact and in-place, just the oil sump access flap is off the car now. iIll the car come in harms way in any way with the small opening in the under-tray or am I worrying for no reason, I know many cars have no under-tray at all. My thinking is the potential issues are a well-targeted stone/debris hitting the sump and causing damage - but that seems a very remote possibility; potential damage from salt on the roads, but I hardly see much spray getting its way through the tiny gap; only other potential worry is effect on aerodynamics/fuel economy, but this must be very minimal.
Thanks for any input. If you think I should get a new catch so that I can put the flap back in place, please let me know where I can get one.
Many thanks
Chris