w201/m103 'Lower Noise Encapsulation Panel'
 

Why is this part missing on my car? Does everyone else still have theirs? What are the consequences of not having one on the car?

makes the car quiter..

Big difference to me- you should buy one. Not uncommon for it to be damaged or missing.

M

I have "heard" it also acts to help cool the transmission.

Neither of my cars had it on when I bought it, but I plan to find one and get it on at some point in the future.

Shockingly my SDL and 300SEL both still had them after all these years. :eek:

I have not driven with the SDL one in forever (it is in my garage) so I cannot recall how much quieter it made the vehicle. The 300SEL/M103 is so quiet when I drive it I almost forget the vehicle is on. It seems to subdue the high RPM cruising noise.

It does effect drag...

It will probably change the airflow a bit under the engine- doubt it makes a difference to trans temp.. but it's possible. These parts are going up every year $$. For my 124.034, it runs about $130. There are some aftermarket panels available for some models...

M