I have a 2004 A4 1.8T. I was driving in the snow yesterday and the plastic covering (the part that covers the oil drain plug) underneath the front of my car tore apart. Specifically, the front passenger-side splash guard that connects to it snapped off causing one side of the plastic covering to drag on the ground and collect snow like a shovel. Consequently, the weight of the snow caused it to crack in several places.

I asked the dealer if they had any in stock and they said it costs around $190. Does anyone have a part number for this plastic covering and know of a place where I can buy it (preferably at a cheaper price than the dealer quote).
Frankly, I think its more of an annoyance having to remove it every time I change my oil, but I'm sure its best to replace it.

Thanks!

 

I have actually been running my car without one for about 6 months now without an issue. But then again I don't have to worry about snow being shovelled into the lower part of my engine bay.

 

1. A clean engine is a happy engine.
2. An oil pan without a rock through it holds oil better.
3. Logs have shown that keeping the belly pan on decreases every important temp possible.
There is a reason Audi put it there. Without it, you have terrible airflow through the bay. Tons of turbulance, I'd guess. In any case, without it, all the temps rise. Not good.

 

Interesting....How does the belly pan being off cause temps to rise?? But you do make a good point. The only reason I've been running without one is because I got tired of taking it off everytime I worked on the car, and lately that has been all the time.

 

Yah, I've been riding without the covering for the past couple of days and honestly I don't feel all that comfortable without it, especially b/c my car rides a little low.

Only thing is that I can't seem to find it online...

 

Here is one from ECS. Belly Pan.

 

I've seen it on almost every Audi parts site I've been on. Mine took a beating when I hit a retread in the middle of the Turnpike that I couldn't avoid at 70mph. It's still intact though, just a small crack....

 

Thanks Myst420 and Bustanut. I guess its not much cheaper online. I'll do some more searching, but may just end up hitting the dealer and avoid having to wait for it to be delivered.

 

Just an idea...

For my belly pan I will be pullin it off and fiberglassing the entire sheet... then painting it a glossy black. Maybe you can do the same for yours. The fiberglass will deff hold it together and make it stronger.

BTW> im doing it for show.. just in case anyone is wondering

 

check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NACA_duct