I haven't looked at the E class, but my 1999 C43 and 1983 300SD both take air from the grill area. On my C43 direct air is blocked by a plastic piece. the driver side slides out. The passenger side would have to be ground out with a file or rotory tool. This would then give a cold air intake system / ram air system. People on this board have done it - but rain and road debree (sand, etc...) have kept me from doing this. Good luck.

------------------
Noah
1999 C43
4Noah