should there be some type of plastic shield
 

Attached to the bumper cover. Its very loose down low.


Sorry about the dirt.......


https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3914/...730dbefa_b.jpg

Yes, my 2003 S has a lower splash cover that prevents what you see in the photo. It attaches with some easily removable screws so you can access the lower engine area.

You're missing two covers.

The first one is an extension of the chin spoiler

The second one slides under the first one and attaches to the subframe

Thanks. I figured it was missing.
Now, to find one............

Plastic parts at junk yards= cheap.....

Has anyone tried one of the steel skid plates?


Skid Plate Steel Sump Guard - R50/52/53 Cooper & S W/manual Trans


http://new.minimania.com/images_temp...001nma3040.jpg
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Skid Plate Steel Sump Guard - R50/52/53 Cooper & S W/manual Trans

That's more to protect the oil pan...will leave the alternator, air compressor, etc exposed...and a slight reduction in drag...
Bet you can get the two plastic parts you need for $20 at a you pull junkyard...splash guards do have a purpose...
Very few reports of cars have ever appeared by folks with a broken oil pan...usually after running over major road debris...so an insurance issue.
Some years even use a PS DUCT that goes from the second missing part to the PS pump to keep it cool...