if you take it off, the paint might start to deform, and chip

 

My 2000 had one, my new 2004.5 doesn't. Stupid cost cutting measures.

 

in case of engine fire -> plastic buttons melt -> drop the fabric onto the engine area -> puts out fire.

I don't think it is there to prevent paint chips. Take it off if you don't like it. Quite a few people do take it off. One thing I have observed is that, that fabric is a dust magnet.

 

my 2k doesnt have it (v6)

 

as YetAnother20V said ... its a fire blanket, other than that ... it doesnt serve any other purpose

 

its gotta serve a purpose, or else it wouldnt be there............

 

if you take it off, the paint might start to deform, and chip

so did you just make this up?

 

It's there to absorb noise.In the same way as the tray under the engine has noise absorbing material stuck to it.
Well at least it does on my Tdi.

 

yea, Roberto is right - fire blanket and sound deadening...

 

One thing I have observed is that, that fabric is a dust magnet.

If you pick up some cheapir blue / white MF toweks from WalMart and wipe the underside of the pad whey will pull a lot of that lint off .. a little spritz of 6:1 Water/Woolite solution on the MF first helps too.

 

i do remember reading posts about people bubbling their paint cause their engine got soo hot and cooked the paint without the padding.

not sure if its true, but i have read that before as well

 

if you take it off, the paint might start to deform, and chip

so did you just make this up?

*notice how i said MIGHT*

 

its pretty much common sense that if the paint is exposed to high amounts of heat, it might start to show effects.......

 

I've been reading this debate for years, not once has someone shown proof that the padding has anything to do with fire suppression.

Until someone shows some type of documents, most people will continue to believe that it is only a noise and heat barrier.

 

My 2000 had one, my new 2004.5 doesn't. Stupid cost cutting measures.

Yep, my 2001.5 has it and my dad's new B5 doesn't.

 

i took that crap out from under my hood when i was doing the gt28rs install, since then the paint has shown no ill effects...and that turbo gets HOTT.