[ROBM2C]

Just about to do this! Glad I came across this thread ...I will be doing that jb weld trick for sure !

[2020M2Competition]

Recently had mine installed by my shop

They tig welded in an aluminum grill for me to add a little extra protection

Went back and forth with them about whether to notch the skid plate to accommodate the plastic rivets, but they insisted it wasn't necessary

Things seem pretty secure without the plastic rivets, but I guess time will tell

[ROBM2C]

@2020M2Competition

Looks good ! I wonder why they went with a screen that has such big holes .

[2020M2Competition]

Originally Posted by ROBM2C

@2020M2Competition
Looks good ! I wonder why they went with a screen that has such big holes .

I chose this particular grill for a few different reasons

The larger holes should still allow for good airflow

It's made out of aluminum so it was easier to weld in

I also think the rectangular shape of the holes look good and goes together well with the rectangular opening of the skid plate

In any case, as I think most will agree, this grill should provide considerably more protection than nothing at all

[ROBM2C]

Yes I agree ,


Looks great !

[BMW DIY Guy]

Just installed this myself, and will have a DIY video up shortly. I am really impressed with the construction and have no doubt it will do a great job. 8)

[stefan]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

Just installed this myself, and will have a DIY video up shortly. I am really impressed with the construction and have no doubt it will do a great job. 8)

What did you decide as a solution to the rogue rivet?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by stefan

What did you decide as a solution to the rogue rivet?

Do you mean the plastic push rivets on each side that need to come out? If so, I just took them out.

[Rick4345]

I wish they made these for the OG M2!!

[DARKMTTR]

Thanks for the tutorial OP and for all the recommendations from the others for adding the mesh.

I finally got around to installing the TMS Oil Cooler Guard / Skid Plate. I got the black powder coated version and also installed a bit of black mesh for added protection. It took around 2 hours by myself, but fitment was perfect. Its an incredibly solid piece and provide the protection the oil cooler needs.

[M Fifty]

Originally Posted by Rick4345

I wish they made these for the OG M2!!

The OG doesn't have the same type of intercooler, so doesn't need to to be protected in the same way. But, I'm sure you can fit one if you want?

[Rick4345]

Originally Posted by M Fifty

The OG doesn't have the same type of intercooler, so doesn't need to to be protected in the same way. But, I'm sure you can fit one if you want?

I hit something a while back and took a chunk out of the plastic guard. I replaced it easy enough. If definitely buy the metal equivalent if available. I live in the country. I've seen anything from badgers to snapping turtles that are as long as two lanes wide.

[omasou]

Originally Posted by ZL9M2

Yes, or maybe as usual we're all too worried about something that probably may never happen?!!!

That and a new oil cooler is less expensive than the aluminum part that won't do anymore than the plastic part.

I'm more worried about the opening and rocks.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by omasou

That and a new oil cooler is less expensive than the aluminum part that won't do anymore than the plastic part.

I'm more worried about the opening and rocks.

It isn't just that the oil cooler is cheaper.. its failure while driving and associated costs and damage. Failing on a long trip, tow costs, loss of oil to the motor and an infinite number of other possible scenarios.

Even if the oil cooler was free I would still do this upgrade, but doubly so if you uograde the oil cooler as well.

[omasou]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

It isn't just that the oil cooler is cheaper.. its failure while driving and associated costs and damage. Failing on a long trip, tow costs, loss of oil to the motor and an infinite number of other possible scenarios.

Even if the oil cooler was free I would still do this upgrade, but doubly so if you uograde the oil cooler as well.

I had a small rock take out my E30 325iX oil cooler at a toll booth. Believe me you'll know rather quickly that it's leaking.

The challenge I have with the skid plate is that it has the same exact design as the factory part. If I don't add mesh that is small enough to deflect smaller debris and maintain airflow I've accomplished nothing. That leaves larger debris like rocks and tree limbs, which will take out my front end first and then probably bend the metal up into the oil cooler. So same result a new oil cooler plus if it's that big probably a new oil pan and maybe even the diff.

Additionally, being more "robust" it will rip out the rivets holding it on so you will may actually have higher repair costs associated with the collateral damage.

[ROBM2C]

@omasou

The point of the skid plate being aluminum rather then plastic is for head on collisions with objects that would otherwise tear through the plastic and get to the cooler . The amount of protection beyond stock is tenfold.

[Twilson25]

What's the OEM part number it replaces?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by Twilson25

What's the OEM part number it replaces?

It should be: 51758079566

[parraline5750]

Originally Posted by DARKMTTR

Thanks for the tutorial OP and for all the recommendations from the others for adding the mesh.

I finally got around to installing the TMS Oil Cooler Guard / Skid Plate. I got the black powder coated version and also installed a bit of black mesh for added protection. It took around 2 hours by myself, but fitment was perfect. Its an incredibly solid piece and provide the protection the oil cooler needs.

Attachment 2643952

I just ordered this piece for 2020 M2C, and thanks to all who have put up install help. For those who added mesh yourself, did you go with aluminum or stainless mesh? And am curious approximately what size the grid gaps were, pictures little hard to guess scale. Thanks.