Air filter cover and the foam inside W124 230E

[FLYPOGGER]

Air filter cover was looking a bit scabby, took it off, rubbed it down, rust proof, primed, top coat.
On the underside is some foam, is this to reduce air intake noise?
I feel that I should scrape this off as a small area is missing, probably sucked into the engine. Wouldn't want a large bit to vanish.
Thoughts anyone?

 

[FLYPOGGER]

Air filter cover was looking a bit scabby, took it off, rubbed it down, rust proof, primed, top coat.
On the underside is some foam, is this to reduce air intake noise?
I feel that I should scrape this off as a small area is missing, probably sucked into the engine. Wouldn't want a large bit to vanish.
Thoughts anyone?

Or is it a heat shield to stop the paint on top of the cover being affected by heat?

 

[Petrol Pete]

 

[FLYPOGGER]

 

[FLYPOGGER]

View attachment 157379

Think I'll put it back as it is.