Behind the right headlight assembly, there is foam pad attached to metal.

The foam is supposed to be covered by vinyl. But the vinyl is torn, and the foam inside is exposed.

I think that exposed foam holds moisture and made the metal rust severely.
So I removed the pad.

My concern is whether some engine part behind the right headlight (there are turbo stuff there) makes much heat and melts the plastic headlight case, if the foam pad is missing.

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1992 300D 2.5 turbo diesel. 319 k miles.
124.128 chassis, 602.962 engine, 722.418 tranny.

Vinyl covered foam is generally a vibration damper, they are probably using this to stop the lights from vibrating at idle. I highly doubt they put it there to insulate it from heat, if anything the headlight would be hotter than any surrounding components from the motor. Odds are they did it to help the life of the bulbs.

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Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k