I know Mercedes are designed/engineered to exacting standards, so nothing's done without a reason. That being said, does anyone know a reason NOT to remove the black paint on the valve cover? I want to polish mine, but am concerned that I'll be taking away some of the radiant heat transfer capbilities of the black paint. Any ideas?

Brian

my 1985 500sel euro does not have any covers
from the factory im not sure but i think there for show

If it's aluminum, polish away. Metal has sufficient native heat transfer, so doesn's need paint for that job. We always use chrome or aluminum valve covers on racing engines. Valve covers are not really there to remove heat.

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Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

After a polish you will need to have it clear coated. It will oxidize easily if you don't...powder coating would be better.

You might check...for some vague reason I thought some MBZ valve covers were magnesium alloy.