Gentlemen,

While reconning for a saturday morning oil change, I removed the plastic engine panel to locate the oil filter. Duh! I finally found it - up top.

Anyway, I read that this panel is used to keep engine noise down. But after two days of driving without it (it was being degreased) I really didn't notice any noise difference. Which brings me to my question...

Can I leave the panel off permanately to allow air flow for the engine? Although my car does not run hot, I just like the fact that I this may offer better air circulation to help dissipate engine heat.

Thanks for replies.

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The most important thing this panel does is to keep water off of the belt in wet driving conditions. If you get the belt wet, the A/C compressor can slip and will lock out until the next time the engine is started.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I'll put it back on. Thanx

If Mercedes put it there it's there for a reason! Friend of mine left his off.Next thing you know he's out driving at night, hits a pothole and a "raised" piece of road RIPS the bottom of his sump clean off!!!!
You can guess the rest.

I can't imagine the "encapsulation panels" would offer much protection from any raised concrete or asphalt.

The encapsulation panels will not protect from fixed objects such as concrete barriers, but they will protect from wetting the belt and from rocks and loose pieces entering unwanted areas.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM