Has anyone had to replace the cover on top of the engine? If so, where did you get it and can I get one custom painted?

 

If no help here on the forum, try this:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...acat=0&_sop=12

 

Also check https://www.car-part.com/ most any body/paint shop will do the engine cover.
Here's one for sale $50 Josh's Auto Parts USA-MI(Benton-Harbor) Request_Quote 269-925-3800 / 269-925-3816

 

You also have the opportunity to use a couple of Mercedes engine covers that fit and how you paint them is only limited by your imagination and pocket depth if you are not an artist.
The Mercedes covers are often cheaper because of their abundance.

 

I prefer to keep my cars very stock, but I have put the Mercedes SLK320 engine cover on all of them.

 

Just make sure when you start looking at used airboxes that you find one that has all the mounting clips still attached & not broken off. Some folks/salvage yards are kinda rough when it comes to removing the airbox.

 

Wasn't that long ago you could order a brand new M-B SLK320 airbox for the R170 series from a Mercedes-Benz parts store real cheap. I bought mine for $83 & change (free shipping) back in 2018. Came with both air filter elements.

Here's a M-B airbox that looks to be in really good shape. All the mounting clips are still attached.

 

It is possible that the plastic chrome appliques for the M-B cover can still be found with a Google search.