E9 Front Reinforcement - Metal plate on the OEM part

[Krzysztof]

I saw a plate (in green circle) point-welded perpendicularly onto the reinforcement but it is not common and not existing on parts from W&N.

Is it for E3 or E9?
Was it added to stop mud being pushed into the frame?
Does anyone know?

I noticed also slight stamping (in blue circle) at the end (front of the car side). Not sure it is available on "blue" (non OEM) parts.

 

[Keshav]

Yes, that should be there to stabilize, on both sides of the triangle which we close so as to keep the debris out...
Seems many don’t know of or don’t reinstall those.......

Keshav

 

[Krzysztof]

Many thanks!

Looking on the pictures each of the car has different configuration, including covered opening in the reinforcement. Which of these is the best from rust protection perspective?

It seems, BMW introduced it later in production (of even after) as many cars do not have it ... or maybe it rotten out in between?