Did anyone ever find out the reason why some MINIs have an exhaust manifold cover (heat shield), and some do not?

There was a thread a while back discussing this topic, but no resolution.

My 2003 MINI Cooper (May build) does not have a heat shield above the exhaust manifold.... it does have a square piece of aluminum right below the coolant reservoir, but there is no full-surround shield over any of the four pipes that come out of the back of the engine. Other MINIs have it, some do not. Why? Does it have a mechanical function/reason to be/not be there?

Thanks

Joe

 

boognish - I have a 2003, October 2002 build, Cooper without exhaust heat shield, just like yours. I too wonder why some have the shield and some don't. I haven't noticed any side effects without it, but is the car/engine somehow better with the shield?

retroom

 

>>boognish - I have a 2003, October 2002 build, Cooper without exhaust heat shield, just like yours. I too wonder why some have the shield and some don't. I haven't noticed any side effects without it, but is the car/engine somehow better with the shield?
Maybe it fell off when I was on that really rough road with my runflats?
I have an MCS Feb 2003 and no heat shield!