[Captain Otto]

Covers the bottom of the motor.

Anyplace other than the dealer sell them. Mine got destroyed by
a tire tread left on the freeway..

 

[blockphi]

Do you know if it is the center portion or one of the side portions? I got my side portion for 25 bucks from the stealership. The center was about 100 more than that...Not sure of where else to find them. You can get steel ones, but they are around 350 each...

 

[hannaco]

Take away the worry about hitting road junk, and put on a metal skid plate.
http://dieselgeek.com/skidplate.php
It will protect the motor, transmission, and that very expensive power steering hose.

 

[arnard]

Dieselgeek I think is the best option. Unless I am wrong I think the TDI of the skid plate from the dealer is over 200 bucks. Mine is currently being held on by two screws and three zip ties.

 

[hannaco]

That metal skid plate has saved my motor a few times. A lot of construction has been going on in the area. Just a lot of junk scattered about the roads. Most of which can destroy the oil pan. I have a bunch of dings, and one good sized dent in the skid plate. It has paid for itself many times.

 

[mgwerks]

"rock protector"

The stock plastic panel is only ther to modulate airflow and sound. The only thing it will protect the bottom of the engine from is maybe some dust. Hannaco has it right - my DG skid plate has saved me several times. You can't buy better peace of mind for the money for your TDI. Call Jim at DieselGeek and grab one today.

 

[jibeho]

My buddies 1.8 does not have this, but my TDI did. It has been gone for about 40k miles. The stealer once told me they are to help quiet the motor mostly.