Hmmm... I didn't think they were painted in that area, but can't remember for sure. I do have a virgin B20 though, in my 1800ES. At some point, the transmission (BW35) needs to be resealed; I'll try to remember to take a look when I pull it.

But as for intentionally putting paint there, especially with a rattle-can paint job being typically less than perfect from a durability standpoint, I don't want an errant paint flake doing the one-in-a-thousand act a year from now and getting on the clutch facing. Admittedly this is unlikely, but why would you want to take the risk? So you can tell your friends the engine is even prettier when you remove the flywheel? ;)

Gary L
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1971 142E ITB racer, 1973 1800ES, 2002 S60 T5