Hole in Underbody

[x5turtle]

I went under my X for a visual inspection of the underbody a few days ago and find something that worries me. I found a uncover hole, and I can see a gear in the hole. That worries me alot.

However, the skeptics is that the edges of the hole is very nicely cut. I am wondering if BMW actually made that hole.

You can see it from the front of the car, you have to slide yourself in and it is before the drive shaft. I would say close to the catalyc converter. Anyone have time to take a look at theirs? I have a 04 3.0

I just don't find it make sense to have a gear rotating with the potential that rocks and other funny stuff will fly in between the gears. Let me know if there is a previous topic covering it.