In my Mercedes Benz 200 1983 there is a plastic flat cone shape comming out of the air filter compartment....?

Question

There is a sliding door inside with an arm and spring that apparently shifting the air source from the exhaust to a location near the fan. I need to know what is the use of such door and does it harm the vehicle if this piece is removed?

Answer 1

It's part of the emissions control system. Removing it will cause you to fail an emissions test. The basic purpose is to regulate the temperature of the incoming air charge.