I am about to install a German-made sports grille (center star) in place of the factory grille. Both grilles have what looks like a deliberate 'blockage' of flat plastic set back from the face of the grille - upper left hand corner as you look at the grille.

This places a block directly in front of one of the air intakes for the airbox. Is there a reason for this? Can / should it be cut away?

TJC

I know if it was black plastic in the center then that would be distronic...but I have no idea what that is on yours!

If you look at the passenger side grille on your stock E55 grille you have the same restriction, I have removed mine

Thanks Jay, I realize that both grilles have it and I don't see why I cannot remove it - but it's permanent of course. I just wondered why it was there to begin with.

TJC

is there any benefit to removing this piece?

Come on Benzxperts - we want to know why this is!!

TJC

It is there to stop water from entering the air intake when it is raining. It doesn't restrict the air enough to make a noticable difference.