What is this part?
 

Hey, I was changing out a cracked intake hose on my 92 300E (The hose that connects the airbox to the intake scoop) and I noticed a little probe sticking out of the right (you are looking at the headlights of the car) side of the intake hose. It has two pins, twists out, and isn't connected to anything. Since it is located in the intake region. I figurd it was some type of airflow sensor, but it isn't connected to anything. Anyone know what this part is? What it does? Thanks.

Intake air temperature sensor. It should be connected. Look around for a loose wire.

Vin

Oh wow... it has been disconnected for... well... the past 6 years... well as long as ive tall enough to look under the hood at least. So uhh... any damage that could have been caused? Or perhaps a performance loss that could be fixed by reconnecting it? ;)

I doubt that you will find a connector. A lot of folks mistake the filler plug for a sensor. If it has actual metallic contacts, then you may be missing the harness. If you don't see metal pins or socket then it's a filler plug.

Hmm... well the plug has two metal pins, and it does look similar to the temp sensor on my friends expedition. So does that mean I am missing a harness? What should I do? Buy another one or just leave it be? And where would I be connecting this temp sensor to?

Hmm... I was able to locate the sensor plug, it was hiding beneath the airbox. So, now that I have it plugged back in, could there have been any damage to the engine because the temp sensor wasn't plugged in for such a long time?

I wouldn't worry about it. The sensor is used to send temp info to control units for adjustment to air fuel ratio and timing. You should have optimum performance now.

Vin