Compact

[robsrocket]

hello ladys and gents of the BMW forum. im new to this one and could do with a bit of technical help if its possible. i have a 316i Compact (N, 96) and when driving home 2day, heard a knocking noise. when pulling over and looking under the car it was clear that a heat sheild just infont of the rear drive shafts had come off and was dragging.

the question i need answering is: how important is this heat sheild? will it be a big problem if i dont replace it soon? etc.

cheers for your help
Rob