Engine Bay Cover

[Bearcat]

I noticed on a picture of an engine bay that the bonnet had matting attached underneath the bonnet to supress noise. My car doesnt have this....does yours and is it necessary? I had my car resprayed recently and wondered would the heat of the engine effect the paint work hence the matting?

280SL 1970
SL320 1998

[Ben]

Mine doesn't have it, and I've never seen one with it !

I have wondered if it would make a difference so I'm interested to hear other replies !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[Albert-230SL]

Hi Bearcat,

In any case, this matting is not original. All W113 had a clean body color painted area underneath the bonnet. So the heat of the engine -if it works at normal temperature- should not affect the paint work. Otherwise all Pagodas would have the same problem.
The bonnet is made in aluminum, maybe this fact has some relation with the absence of mats.

Apart from heat issue, it probably would decrease the music volume of our 6 in line... what a pity!  

Regards,

Albert de la Torre Chavalera
Barcelona (Catalunya/Spain)
Feb.'64 230 SL Euro 113042-10-002432

[Tom]

I have used a pad attached to the hood in the past (not now) and it definately reduces noise levels.  However, as others have stated, it is not original and I would be concerned about heat buildup in the engine compartment.  These cars tend to run hot anyway and containing the heat would likely add to the issue.  Also, if the car is running right, tuned properly, including valve clearances, the noise level from the engine area, even at high speeds, should not be so great as to need sound deadening material.

Best,

Tom

[Bearcat]

Thanks a lot guys..I just noticed the matting in a car I was interested in prior to getting my 280SL. I am delighted it is not an original part.

David
280SL
320SL
Ireland