Both my 95 E300, my 91 300TE, and my Dad's 95 E300 have that C shaped part of bracket attached to the front side of the bracket attached to the chassis.
Your right- the FSM shows the main bracket attached to the chassis so that the C shaped piece is assembled facing rearward
Mystery!
Well atleast it is not just me then, so I won't worry about it!
__________________
1995 W124 M104 E320 Wagon. 175k Miles and Counting