I am posting this question for my brother who is on vaction with the E 320 and does not have computer access.

Under the intake manifold and attached to the manifold, is an aluminim box with VDO stamped on it. It is making a terrible noise. His qestion is three fold:
1. What is the box
2. What does it do
3. Can he allow it to continue to rattle until it he returns and risk it disintigrating.

Thanks