W111 Floor pan metal plate

[wwheeler]

Can any one tell me what the purpose of the black metal plate shown in the picture is? It is in the foot well on the passenger side. I took mine off and there is nothing behind it except sound deadener.

Thanks,

Wallace

[PeterPortugal]

Hi Wallace,

My 1963 220SE does not have that plate fitted. Sorry I can't answer your question but it does confirm that it is not a standard feature across the range.

Regards

Peter

[dpreston Virginia]

Wallace
My 69 280SE 111 has the removable plate like yours but I do not know what it is used for. I am interested in finding out as well.
Regards,
David

[wwheeler]

That picture is from a 1963 220 SEb coupe. It is an automatic as is my '68 280SE coupe. David, is yours an automatic? How about you Peter?

[perry113]

That picture is from a 1963 220 SEb coupe. It is an automatic as is my '68 280SE coupe. David, is yours an automatic? How about you Peter?

Yes. My 1963 220seb is indeed an automagic.

[PeterPortugal]

Wallace,

I am on a stick shift. You might have your answer there.

What jobs could require access (via the plate) to the auto transmission whilst it is still in the car?

Regards

Peter

[mercakungen]

Hello,

My (ex) 220 SEb Coupe -61 with manual transmission had this plate. I think the purpose for this plate is smooth concave floor for a carpet.

BR,
Matti

[280SE Guy]

I don't know for sure but would it be an access area to remove the hard to reach starter bolts?

[PeterPortugal]

That's a possibility. In my W111 workshop manual it does mention removing a plate to gain access to the starter motor bolts but it is much smaller looking.

[mercakungen]

You can´t reach anything via this plate because there are not any hole under that plate. Just steel floor (concave).

[UJJ]

Perhaps it has to do with AC?

[dpreston Virginia]

My 280SE is a 4 speed non original A/C car. I have aftermarket A/C in this car.
Attached is photo of my passenger floor board.

[wwheeler]

Thanks for all the responses!

I can tell you that it is not the starter bolt access plate. That is up higher and to the left on the trans hump. That plate also allows access to the well hidden trans solenoid. The a/c hose holes are much higher up, but maybe it may something to do with the evaporator or fan? It is such a large plate that it has to have some purpose. I might tend to agree with Matti and the idea of a carpet form. There is no hole on the backside that I can find either. On my car, it is opposite the heat shield for the exhaust heading downward. I have had the shield off and there is no hole.

Maybe one the great Mercedes mysteries.....

[280SE Guy]

Maybe you can stash your cash in there or other object 

[wwheeler]

Maybe you can stash your cash in there or other object 

SSSHHHH! You'll give away my secret.