I just bought a 2003 4.2 S-Type with 103k miles. The plastic underbody shield is missing. Is this critical to replace? Thanks in advance.

JohnEP

 

Hi there, you'll probably find you get conflicting answers on this one tbh.

I've seen many people with many different vehicles running without these, for ease of access for oil changes etc etc.

My take on it, is that it came with one for a reason, an underside protector, airflows etc as well as helping to keep the engine bay clean......

Your car your choice really.

Good luck

 

I strongly disagree with that statement! How dare you good sir!

Mine's reinstalled now but I ran around without it for over a year, made no difference that I could see.

 

OK; for my (new to me) used 2003 4.2 S-Type with 103k miles; with missing underbody plastic cover: I'll focus on the trans shifter bolts, trans fluid, and maybe even the trans pan/filter/bolts/sleeve before I worry about finding a used replacement underbody plastic cover.

JohnEP

 

Keep in mind that these belly pans provide a measure of protection for some of the low-hanging fruit that sits very close to the road surface (such as the compressor). Running over a separated tire tread flap at highway speeds can easily do hundreds of dollars worth of damage under there. Better to be safe than sorry if you can find a used belly pan for a decent price....

 

I also like it cos it catches all the bolts, nuts and tools my sausage butter fingers drop, without it they would hit the ground and bounce or roll a mminimum of 30ft.

i spend most of my repair time looking for the tool I had in my hand 3 seconds ago, who the hell keeps hiding it!!!!

 

And then you have to drop the pan to find all the bolts and tools you dropped.

 

Better than having to go and buy another nut or bolt cos I've lost it.

 

Being a technician I have always believed that the engineers add things for a reason and so I always put things back where I found them

 

It's not required but Jaguar is a premium luxury car. They installed the covers for a reason.

I have run without mine for extended intervals while working or troubleshooting the car. I eventually always put it back on.
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As mentioned already, it provides protection for some vulnerable parts hanging close to the ground. It also believe it or not helps provide a small measure of aerodynamics. But its a minute amount, like maybe in 10 years it would help you save a dollar on gas lol.