It's just for inspecting and access for some repairs so you don't have to remove the plate.

When installed the bolts are stretched and are constituted single use. I did a test where I followed the torque directions, they break after about 4 Applications and become weak after two.

Most DIY users think of the plate as mere under belly protection but it has a far more important job, it keeps the cat from turning into a parallelogram when there is offset load (example: minor accident bumping something on one side of bumper).

The form on top of the stiffening plate is what absorbs the engine noise

I plan to replace my bolts with 1/2" so I can achieve the same clamping force with a reusable bolt.

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2011 E70 • N55 (me)
2012 E70 • N63 (wife)