E46 M3 Exhaust Problem

[BalhamBadger]

Seconds after setting off on an errand yesterday I heard an interesting metallic noise under throttle, shortly followed by the part circled below falling off and bouncing down the road. Has anyone had the same thing happen and if so was it an easy fix?

RealOEM shows the plate as being integral to the centre section (item 1), so if it can't be reattached there's potentially a big bill.

The car is booked in for a service at Forza West in a couple of weeks so I will get it sorted then. Problem is that living in Bristol I'm concerned the drive to Chepstow is going to make matters worse.

Thanks in advance for any insights/advice.

[Jazz 0230]

Can't offer much advice, but if you are worried about the drive from Bristol to Chepstow, you could always speak to Redish Motorsport in Bristol, they appear to be E46 M3 specialists and have had plenty of good reviews.

[shibby!]

It's basically a heat shield.

To reattach you will need to get bolts or studs welded back on. No biggie!

Could always leave it off

[BalhamBadger]

Thanks for both replies.

Good point re: Redish. I've tried to contact them in the past to get my subframe checked but the phone was constantly engaged. Probably a good sign but I gave up in the end.

I didn't realise it was a heat shield, thought it was just to stop the pipes rattling against the underside of the car. Maybe it does both. Anyway, I'll add it to the list of jobs for Forza West to take care of and take it easy driving in the next few weeks. Rusted exhaust mounts were an advisory at the last MOT so I'll get that taken care of at the same time.