I went to replace the engine oil on my 110 TD5 this morning. It's the first change due since I bought it.

Anyway, having crawled under the front, instead of a sump and drain plug I found a plastic sump shield (too flimsy to call it a guard) running from the front bumper to just in front of the first exhaust box). There doesn't seem to be any access to a sump drain plug without removing the shield.

From what I could see it's held by 4 bolts, 2 of which look difficult to reach with a spanner because of the steering guard. Are there any more?

My main question is, am I right in thinking this shield has to come off? and does anybody bother replacing it afterwards?

First thing I did was bin the useless piece of crap. Its on there for sound deadening but all it does is soak up oil and collect all the crap from the road. Oh... and it stops you getting to the drain plug

Take the plakky bit off and bin it. You will find the sump drain plug hiding above it!

Put the screws back where they came from, then at least you will have 4 spares if ever you need them.