2002 Audi A6 3.0L underbelly pan, you know the plastic cover that connects to the front bumper and covers the oil filter and oil pan etc.

I had the car serviced at an import place a few months back and the other day I was checking out the undercarriage and noticed that they did not put the cover back. Of course they have no clue and refuse to acknowledge the error.

How important is this cover? I.e. should I replace it? A quick "sanity" check at the dealer shows the cover will run around $200.00 plus some clips and screws. That is a steep price for something that may just be cosmetic... Any advice would be great!

 

You can do an advanced search on "belly pan" for A6 forum and you shall come across at least two good discussions cencerning pro and against opinions vis-a-vis of the pan's utility.

 

how low is your car?
it could save you from damaging the oil pan, potentially.

Dieselgeek finally got back to me about their belly pan saying that their B5 panzer plate should fit the C5 pretty well... since I lost my plastic belly pan long ago, if I ever get one it will be the DG one
http://www.dieselgeek.com/servlet/Detail?no=375

 

I swear I tried that search before posting! Thanks for reiterating that! Got the answer I needed, but not the one I wanted

Basically, yes, if you want correct airflow, aiding in heat dissipation, protection from the elements (I live in Michigan), it is a good idea to replace it.

Now to search for a decent deal. Any leads on a good deal for a replacement? I see one link in one of the posts that came up in the search but any additional leads would be great.

Thanks guys. Sorry for bringing this subject up again without a proper search.. d'OH

 

Try shokan.com for a used belly pan. Prices are not that great but alot better than the dealer.

call these guys for a price on new:http://www.primepartssuperstore.com/...&siteid=215236

 

Also try Force Five in Concord NH 603-223-6700
They are usually more reasonable in price.

 

"google" is your friend -- you may find some used pans. Every once in a while someone on the forum parts out a car. You can try posting a WTB (want to buy) on the forum in the "for sale" section. Last, check some junk yards. For a simple piece of heavy rubberized plastic, these are not cheap. I've been looking for a reasonable replacement since my OEM was cracked when I bought the car 105k miles ago.

 

you do not necessarily need the Underbelly pan. Its is more to protect your pan and belt from hardcore water and rocks but normal driving won't harm it.

I would suggest getting one for winter though.
Im sure this forum has some cheap ones.