BMW Heat Insulation Bulkhead Top - Genuine BMW 51487185200

Product Information

BMW Exhaust Heat Shield diagram for 550i, 550i GT, 550i GT xDrive, 550i xDrive, 650i, & more

The exhaust heat shield is a protective barrier mounted around exhaust components such as the manifold, catalytic converter, or muffler. Its primary function is to deflect and dissipate heat, preventing excessive temperatures from damaging nearby components like wiring, fuel lines, and the vehicle floor. Typically made from lightweight aluminum or stainless steel with insulating properties, the heat shield also helps reduce cabin heat and contributes to overall vehicle safety and performance.

• Rattling or metallic noises under the vehicle – caused by loose or corroded mounting points.
• Visible rust, cracks, or missing sections – compromise the shield’s ability to contain heat.
• Excessive cabin heat or nearby component damage – indicates a failed or ineffective heat shield.

About Genuine BMW

The original parts used by BMW to build your car are available as replacement parts under the “Genuine BMW” brand. When ordering a Genuine BMW part you are guaranteed to get the same part that you would pick up from your local dealerships part department. Genuine BMW parts have been built to BMW’s stringent standards and are the same quality of the original parts used to build your Ultimate Driving Machine.

You may not realize this, but the parts that make up your BMW are not necessarily manufactured by BMW. No cause for concern, as BMW designs the part, hires a manufacturer, and ensures its quality to you. In fact, many of these manufacturers have been making parts for BMW for decades. In our industry these manufacturers are called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and these are often brands you recognize, including Lemforder, ZF, Sachs, Bosch, Valeo, Zimmermann, Siemens VDO, Corteco, and more. Don’t be surprised to open that Genuine BMW parts box and find an OEM branded part inside, simply with the addition of a BMW logo.

Be sure to keep an eye out for OE tags on our product pages to quickly identify parts coming direct from OE manufacturers. That extra bit of insight could save you some serious money while shopping! Refer to our OE Academy for further information regarding the OE/OEM tags throughout the site.