[sstomcat]

The plastic sort of frame/ cover below the engine/radiator front side came off last nite...I'm unable to put it back as the plastic rivets to hold it together are broken...wonderinfg whats the use of this cover and will it be any harm if I decide not to put it on?

thanks for your opinions

 

[cmitch]

The plastic sort of frame/ cover below the engine/radiator front side came off last nite...I'm unable to put it back as the plastic rivets to hold it together are broken...wonderinfg whats the use of this cover and will it be any harm if I decide not to put it on?

thanks for your opinions

My ML430 doesn't have one and never has since I've had it. I suppose it could prevent a piece of road debris out of your radiator or engine (like a plastic bag) but I've never had a problem because it's gone.

 

[fox103180]

A couple months ago the plastic rivets on mine broke and it was dragging on the ground while I was driving. I pulled up to the Costco gas station and the guy in front of me at the pump asked me if I knew that it was dragging, which I didn't. I took it across the street to the guys that change my oil, and they ziptied it back up again.

Now, mine was caused by a very large oil leak that eventually ate away at the plastic rivets, which is probably is not your problem. My thought process is that Mercedes put it there for some reason, so keep it if you can! If you don't want to purchase the plastic rivets that put it back up, which can't cost too much I would think, then at least zip tie the thin back on.

I wish I could tell you the correct name for the piece, but for some reason I am drawing a blank. The guys at the oil change place and dealership told me but I can't remember. However, what "cmitch" stated above is pretty much its correct usage (per the dealership).

That is my thought process.

 

[LantanaML320]

It is common for these to go bad because of oil change shops not putting them back on right. I had a couple of these fall off or drag over the years and ended up putting them out for the trash man to pick up. Removing them never had any negative effects. I think they are used to smooth out the airflow under the vehicle.

 

[azinn]

The plastic sort of frame/ cover below the engine/radiator front side came off last nite...I'm unable to put it back as the plastic rivets to hold it together are broken...wonderinfg whats the use of this cover and will it be any harm if I decide not to put it on?

thanks for your opinions

I believe its called a sound panel, to help cut down on road noise. Took mine off several years ago. All its good for is hiding oil leaks and getting in the way of oil changes. Checked the ML loaners out I had while having warranty work done & none of them had it either. A waste of plastic. My 2 cents.

 

[Streetglower]

anytime I do an oil change and the ML has one I remove it and throw it away. they are useless and like mentioned above, they hide oil leaks and become a problem when they become loose.

 

[Darkmann]

Seeing that it's an off road vehicle, that piece is there to protect sensitive parts of the motor from debris - belts, fans, pulleys. Just ziptie it back on. You're not risking much, but there's that rare chance that a stray rock may get through exposed rotating elements and that can't be a good thing. BTW, all vehicles I have owned have some kind of protection under these exposed rotating parts.

 

[busoptr]

its a protective plastic panel from rocks and loose gravel.

 

[AndyFracica]

If I remember correctly it is actually a splash guard to keep water from splashing up on the belt.

 

[bgoin]

its a protective plastic panel from rocks and loose gravel.

2 cents, it also helps the aerodynamics of the car? True or False?

 

[alphonsohall]

The panels are fitted solely for sound-proofing reasons.....That is the reason for the square foam blocks on the upper side of the panels, these 'blocks' are 'tuned' to absorb the engine and transmission noise frequencies.




005 A1635200023 - ANTINOISE CAPSULE
005 A1635200823 - ANTINOISE CAPSULE
005 1635200923 001 ANTINOISE CAPSULE
008 1635240040 002 BRACKET
011 1639900136 002 SCREW
014 1635200123 001 ANTINOISE CAPSULE
017 1635200323 001 ANTINOISE CAPSULE
020 1635200223 001 ANTINOISE CAPSULE

 

[pentagon]

It serves three purposes: reduces drag of airflow under the truck, protects components from debris/water, and sound deadening.

 

[onesixthree]

Why were these omitted from newer models? I'd like to retrofit onto mine, if that's even possible.

 

[Darkmann]

Why were these omitted from newer models? I'd like to retrofit onto mine, if that's even possible.

Do you mean 164 models? My 05 500 has it.

 

[onesixthree]

hmm. Thanks. Retrofit should be possible then. My lowly 320 never had them.

Do you mean 164 models? My 05 500 has it.

 

[sstomcat]

How many screws or brackets are required as I plan to order them? thanks

 

[bikerider58]

I purchased my 00 ML320 used and it appears that they sold me an incomplete truck since it never had them.

Hmmm...dealer included maintenance + lazy wrench = parts not installed. Great!

 

[43sqd]

I purchased my 00 ML320 used and it appears that they sold me an incomplete truck since it never had them.

Hmmm...dealer included maintenance + lazy wrench = parts not installed. Great!

These panels are not original equipment, they are options, and you don't want to know how much everything costs. Approx $1,700.

 

[oreif]

These panels are not original equipment, they are options, and you don't want to know how much everything costs. Approx $1,700.

1700 USD for a sound panel, splash guard, that just might shield against stray rock?! no wonder I haven't seen it. is there any way to 'justify' the replacement or retrofit of this option? my math doesn't compute.

 

[Dan P]

I was thinking 'Hey, I need to put one of these on my 320!'

Nevermind.