Looks like your stone guard was worth the effort! Congratulations on a fun trip in the Sierras.
Cant say I've ever had any issues in the Spanish Picos regarding sump clearance... plus the sump guard looks like its a few cm (3-4?) *below* the rest of the engine / chassis, so might be taking hits that you would otherwise sail over.
Having said that, this is exactly the sort of mod you would want (along with raised suspension) for taking a M3W 5sp on trials work!
