Turner E9x M3 Aluminum Skid Plate Thoughts?

Just got an email from Turner that they've released their aluminum skid plate solution.

Design highlights according to the product page:

• 3/16" 5052 aluminum center skid plate
• 1/8" 5052 aluminum side plates
• 1018 steel brackets to mount to frame rails
• powder coated black wrinkle
• improvement on ground clearance, but not a flat design
• $600 with free shipping ---> $540 shipped when they have 10% sales

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-395281-turner-e9x-m3-skid-plate/


Anyone have thoughts on Turner's design? It's a design that somewhat mimics the shape of the OE pieces. So it would provide similar air flow as the factory pieces, but be somewhat equally susceptible to road debris.

Its a fair more complicated of a kit than the one being offered by our resident members Slambo/Deansbimmer. Figured this should be in its own thread and not in the sale/support threads for theirs as this is a competing product.

I had been eagerly waiting for them to release this. I was initially struck by the price but it seems overbuilt if anything. I think it looks nice and would be a great addition. Just cant justify the price with how easy it is to fix the existing undertray

This is a 3-piece set up but you pay the price.

Slambo/Deansbimmer one is more cost effective and works perfect. No hesitation in going with a fellow forum members product.

It's a lot more and a lot more complete than a flat sheet with some holes in it. But when you hit stuff with these more ridgid parts will you risk damage to parts of the car it bolts to?

pbonsalb wrote

But when you hit stuff with these more ridgid parts will you risk damage to parts of the car it bolts to?

That's a good point since it attaches to the frame rail. The rigidity is nice in some respects, but at the same time, if you were to hit something, certainly going to transfer some energy upwards. Since it's not a flat design, it will be a bit more prone to catching on debris.

I like the attachment to the frame, as this allows splitters to be mounted to the tray without pulling down the tray and bumper causing a saggy appearance. however, as others have stated, I don't know that the impact could be of a hard hit to the undertray pushing the frame rails upward. I would think that with that bend in the bars, they would collapse without causing much damage. The price is a little up there, but its from Turner, so high price is to be expected.

I was pretty set up on the metal tray offered by Deansbimmer, but I will admit that I do like the idea of having vertical supports on the lower tray... gives us consumers something to think about.

I doubt it will tear up frame rails. I was thinking more of the bumper. Or if plastic gets bashed and twisted it won't do that much harm but aluminum could puncture a hose or radiator. Something to think about. I just bought a new stock set for $325 but may consider aluminum next time.

This is a very nice looking solution.

I got the same email today but from ECS, looks like a nice piece and the price is high but not too bad. However I have concerns about the energy transfer as well, would be a PITA if it cause some bumper bracket or something else to break.

Does anyone have a link to Deansbimmer's solution?

W12x wrote

Does anyone have a link to Deansbimmer's solution?

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1439553

I don't like the idea of mounting this to the frame rails where force would be transferred to them as a result of unintended bottoming out on speed bumps for example or road debris. Although the possibility of frame damage may be low with these, I'd rather deal with replacing felt parts every once in a while rather than take that risk. Just my two pennies.

I'd rather see a product modeled after the original parts molded from a more durable poly/plastic material.

y u no brake duct provisions

would definitely just use the deansbimmer setup if using with a front lip

The only reason I can see needing to mount to the frame is the damn thing is too heavy to hang off the bumper cover

Definitely seems like a poor solution to this problem and could lead to some major damage from some minor events. I will be sticking with the solution from our fellow forumsmen. (Did I just make that word up?)

SFCM3 wrote

I like the attachment to the frame, as this allows splitters to be mounted to the tray without pulling down the tray and bumper causing a saggy appearance. however, as others have stated, I don't know that the impact could be of a hard hit to the undertray pushing the frame rails upward. I would think that with that bend in the bars, they would collapse without causing much damage. The price is a little up there, but its from Turner, so high price is to be expected.

I was pretty set up on the metal tray offered by Deansbimmer, but I will admit that I do like the idea of having vertical supports on the lower tray... gives us consumers something to think about.

I do too, I think this is very important in order to achieve proper applied downforce with a front splitter.

However, I don't like the design of the solid links to the frame.
I've done splitter supports before and have always used flexible support that holds on downforce pressure but does NOT impact the frame on up-pressure from hitting debris.

JMO, but I would be afraid of frame damage with this TMS offering.

From the pictures it looks to me like the attachment to the frame is just with one screw, so I think some consideration was given to them tearing off on a low amount of shear force. I think it might have been even better if they had chosen to use a low gauge aluminum tube that was designed to crumple as well on excessive vertical compression forces though.

The way those support rods that bolt to the frame are shaped, I'd say a huge compressive force would bend the support rods before bending or damaging the frame rails. Anyways, are you guys doing Dukes of Hazard jumps or something to worry about that?

I am impressed with the Turner solution, seems a very thorough design to mimic the exact shape and function of the original parts.

I'm also impressed that they're able to sell such a complex assembly for that. Knowing what it costs me to make our "flat sheet with holes in it", it makes me wonder if that price is promotional and might go up in the future.

With over 70 sold since May, our undertray is a proven low cost alternative that should be the final replacement for an M3. In a way, the simplicity of a one piece tray has its benefits.

Yeah...with that price, I'd rather buy several plastic undertrays...

deansbimmer wrote

I am impressed with the Turner solution, seems a very thorough design to mimic the exact shape and function of the original parts.

I'm also impressed that they're able to sell such a complex assembly for that. Knowing what it costs me to make our "flat sheet with holes in it", it makes me wonder if that price is promotional and might go up in the future.

With over 70 sold since May, our undertray is a proven low cost alternative that should be the final replacement for an M3. In a way, the simplicity of a one piece tray has its benefits.

Any link?

deansbimmer wrote

I'm also impressed that they're able to sell such a complex assembly for that. Knowing what it costs me to make our "flat sheet with holes in it", it makes me wonder if that price is promotional and might go up in the future.

I concur. Frankly I'm a bit surprised at how many comments there are on pricing here when I think it is more than fair. If anything, I even think their pricing was influenced by the solution you and Slambo are providing. If they had the market to themselves, I'm thinking the introductory pricing would have been even more steep.

OM VT3 wrote

Any link?

SFCM3 wrote  

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1439553

dkexige wrote  

I concur. Frankly I'm a bit surprised at how many comments there are on pricing here when I think it is more than fair. If anything, I even think their pricing was influenced by the solution you and Slambo are providing. If they had the market to themselves, I'm thinking the introductory pricing would have been even more steep.

That's an interesting thought, you may be on to something.

SFCM3 wrote

I was pretty set up on the metal tray offered by Deansbimmer, but I will admit that I do like the idea of having vertical supports on the lower tray... gives us consumers something to think about.

FYI, our flat tray does integrate the factory's vertical bowden support cables into the design. It prevents internal engine bay pressures at high road speed from pushing the tray down, but the flexible cables permit free upward movement should something impact the tray from underneath.