Dust shield???
 

I have no idea if that is what this thing is called. I was driving about a week ago on the highway when I heard this loud wind sound like someone opened a window. When I stopped to investigate a large fiberglass piece that sits under my engine had falled down on one side. There was a bolt that was missing. I had just got my oil changed 2 days before and I thought that maybe this piece needs to be removed for the oil change, and they forgot to put it back on, but when I took it to my mechanic he sad the bolt had been sheered off by bottoming out. I have only bottomed out once, very mildly, since I have owned the car. Anyway he was able to get it back up but it is all broken up now, and he said that it will probably fall agiain so I will have to replace it pretty soon. What purpose does this piece serve? What is it called. Could I order one from partshop? Please help guys.

I believe it's called a splash guard .

It is called an encapsulation panel. Its purpose is for noise insulation and it also keeps the bottom of the engine compartment clean along with improved aerodynamics.

It can also protect your oil pan. The one on mine has kept me from an expensive repair more than once.

Can this be purchased from partsshop? A number would be very appreciated. Thanks all.

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I haven't seen this part listed in Web parts catalogs. If you live in the Western US you might call Caliber Motors at 1-800-252-6877.

They are a MB dealership in California who sell a lot of parts at good prices. I've done a lot of business with them and have been very pleased. I get parts to Arizona in two days via UPS ground.

If you're going to replace the "belly pan" don't forget to replace the inserts into which the screws thread!!! Quite a few MB roadside calls are due to these inserts falling out with the screws still tightly attached. The parts cost next to nothing and are easy to replace. Good luck