Radiator shroud

[gdpmv152]

I was wondering when the W113 was fitted with a radiator shroud. My 1968 250SL does not have one, and my understanding is that it was a warm climate option.
This may be bullocks, but any input would be helpful.

[dtuttle123]

Greg - do you have A/C?  I believe that the shroud is assocaited with A/C.  My 1967 - 250SL did not have either.

[waqas]

I always assumed the shroud was strictly a 280SL option (owing to the oil cooler now placed alongside the radiator), but I may be wrong.

[gdpmv152]

No A/C, and I think all 280's have them. I don't think I have ever seen one on a 230 or 250. But the A/C option with the shroud makes sense.
Thank you for your responses.

[hkollan]

AFAIK The fan shroud is an item only found on US versions and possibly on 280s only. I've seen quite a few US 280s  both with and without AC and they all had the shroud.  European models did not have it.
Also I am aware of some experienced pagoda mechanics that never or reluctantly put the fan shroud back after having performed work in the front area of the engine. It really is quite in the way, and the sharp edges adds to the inconvenience.
Could it have been a federal requirement with that kind of device in place to protect (careless) mechanic fingers and hands?

[zoegrlh]

hkollan is correct, European verisons 250s and 280s did not have this shroud.  Is was put on radiators to help the engine cooling for stateside verisons.  In the original parts catalog, it shows the shroud as an option.
Bob

[rb6667]

My US Version, 68 280SL does not have a shroud.  It's an A/C car.  I bought a shroud for it however, just have not put it on yet.

Looks like it will be a little bit of a project.

RB6667

[thelews]

My early '67 250 and a '71 280 I worked on, both appear to have the shroud.

[forrestjordan]

FYI, my 1970 280sl has A/C factory spec'ed and has the shroud.  I wonder if someone could clear up a question that I have about where the A/C s were installed.  I have been told several times that all of them were installed after they were brought to the US, and not at the factory, even thought the build sheet has it as orig. equip.  What is the real story?

[glenn]

My '67 250SL has a shroud- no A/C, yes auto tranny.