In addition to shielding the air cleaner and coolant expansion tank from exhaust manifold heat, it also helps direct cooling air around the engine. I don't know how critical it is but as Don and Forced have said, it's there for a reason. I'm curious with Sixto as to what problems it causes for you.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970