Purpose of Encapsulation Panels
 

Is the purpose of encapsulation panels ONLY to collect fluid leaks? Or do they also serve a significant function of protecting the car from road debris?

Reason for asking: want to leave off my 92 300D for a while to monitor leaks...but don't want to if I'm putting something at risk.

I know plenty of folks drive without them.

keep debris out, keep heat in, keeps sound down

nearly useless for any serious protection. they do keep mud and dirt from collecting on the belts, and adjusters etc.

mostly there for sound and cooling system airflow.
they also improve MPG by lowering the drag under the car.

I don't think the designers considered oil leaks as a design for them...

Interesting! I had (incorrectly) assumed that was the main purpose.

I also think they help diminish road noise, and may have some aero dynamical effect that could improve fuel mileage by reducing drag.

Answer
 

They are SOUND ENCAPSULATION PANELS.

The design strategy is noise reduction, not road debris or capturing leaks.


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Noise that the driver would hear or noise that others would hear? (I assume the latter)

Driver's cabin noise reduction. that's the primary design of the plastic insulated panels...
vehicle fluids actually damage the panels. I will be highly suprised if the design wasn't also including aerodynamic vehicle underbody improvements...

So previous owners can remove them and never include them with the car... thats what I've learned.

So it sounds like, all things considered, I'm not risking harming anything by driving with them off.

Absolutely no harm in driving without them.

They are an annoyance to remove and install, but DO reduce noise. The small effect on mileage, helping keep debris out of the engine bay and the noise reduction are all worthwhile to me.

While I have no evidence to prove this other than my own findings, I just purchased a 98 E300D with substantial undercarriage rust. Of course the car had no panels when I got it. 177K, and a NJ car. I would like to believe that the panels if in place would keep the splashing of road salt off of all the engine compartment fittings. A/C connections rusted, oil cooler lines rusted, brackets for intercooler tube rusted, brake line holder brackets rusted, etc.

No way for me to know for sure as I don't have anything to compare with, but I have my work cut out for me stop the corrosion and then prevent it from recurring.

Just my thoughts about the panels' value.

HAAA!! you mean you have purchased 5 124's and only ONE had them on the car too? ( one of the cars went over a fence and wrapped most of it around the driveshaft though... kinda destroyed the panels... I got some bolts from that car though...)

doubtfull... more likely, the tiny bolts that hold the panels on disintegrated from the salted roads, and such... enough passages around the panels near the wheels where the salt would splash from to COMPLETELY cover the vehicle through the panels...
the panels are NOT air tight or anything, they just have a flat cover to aid airflow under the car...
I've seen PLENTY of cars from that area just as you describe... many with underpanels in place...

Answer
 

Both.
This is a European Luxury vehicle = it must be quiet (not obnoxious) for the driver and general public.


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