240DieselDog,

Think of the shroud as a duct. It is not a safety device, and became a standard part once air conditioning became a popular option. With the added flow resistance of the condenser in line with the radiator, it became necessary to block the air flow "short circuits" that were possible without it.

I posted these excerpts from the shop manual I have for my 240D:

Attached Thumbnails

 

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)