FWIW,, we are working on a 97 140 that has the lower splash shield on it.

I think its more an aerodynamic aid/ engine sump protector than an emissions tool. In Africa we had steel sump guards; they were more open on the sides, i.e didnt completely seal the bottom of the engine bay, but made of much sterner stuff. We scoffed the Euro and American imported models with the plastic bellypan when they came in. Marginal rotection for our conditions.

Although, now that I think about it, the tropical fan and the more open sides of the steel sum guard would also have been standard spec for African models. Together with taller springs.

I might be the only one here who actually discussed this with the powertrain Engineers when the car was designed, and the only one here who actually did engineering on the 124 chassis, ... it was kind of a clever little twist at the time that worked. Kind of like the same-era Porsche 944S4 spoiler under the tail of the car, funny things happen when you manage airflow under the car where the pressure and flow is highest.

It can be done without, I doubt it has a measurable difference at any legal speed here in the US. I just prefer to keep it for originality and to keep the engines clean, no big deal. Part of the engineering overkill that makes this era unique.

As far as sump protection, maybe from leaves. Anything that could damage the cast sump wouldn't likely be deflected by a thin plastic panel.

Dean: If you have a take-off set from your '94 E320, I'd be happy to buy it from you, PM me with details please.

got rid of it on my 97 e420. Seems like my engine mounts are lasting much longer now... Also makes it easier to check on the car. Unless I live up north with snow and salt, definitely disposable... also makes the car lighter... ;)

Didn't have the ducted engine-mount cooling of the 124s?

Just a side note, the 201 was actually the first to use these panels.

I remember we all hated having to remove them for service.

When I started at MB the only models were 107, 123 and 126