Does anybody know how to fully remove the engine cover on the m256 / E53 AMG? The vent routing to the turbo seems to be stuck to the car but I've seen it can be removed. Also, is there any risks of driving around without an engine cover?

The rubber part just pulls off from the engine cover. Its quite tight, but will come off.

no risk and likely benefits - better heat dissipation

You can just lift it up and pull it apart very carefully. It's very tight but good luck on getting it back together.

is that last comment from personal experience?

yeah its not that easy to put it back that way....
an alternative is to remove the 4 plastic bolts attaching the front tray intake... you can then remove the entire piece and put them back easily.

This is actually not a bad idea.

I read somewhere that the engine cover directs cooling air around the turbo and catalytic converter. I would hesitate to remove it.

Wasn't just for cosmetics?

I thought that because visibly you can tell. The left side clearly routes towards the turbo. I wanted to leave it off for airflow and cosmetics but hesitate due to that air channeling and some other possibilities.