E36 underside shield.....?

[se6b]

Is anybody familiar with the underside of an E36? Specifically something that looks like a metal cloth-like shield that runs down the centre of the car? Part of the front of my car came off at high speed tonight (I think it was part of the underside of the front spoiler) and ripped through the metal shroud/shield before exiting the rear of the car. I've only had chance to have a quick look under and the shield has been ripped from its mounts on one side. Does anyone know what this is? Is it a propshaft cover or something?

[silverback mike]

Probably exhaust heat shield. Not a major problem. You can buy a new heat shield, which is held on by push fit clips. It follows the exhaust the length of the car. In older cars the clips tend to fall off which can cause a thud or rattle which is simply cured by a new clip.

Don't panic.

[fixedwheelnut]

What Mike said, probably the exhaust heat shield between exhaust and propshaft held on with approx six 10mm screws, you will need to drop the exhaust slightly to get room to slide it in position.

[se6b]

Thanks! Amazingly its not listed in the Haynes manual.