Those are thermo-vacuum valves, different colors open or close at different temps. The line that disappears below the intake manifold attaches to the throttle body. The fittings on the my throttle body were crumbling. Mike Tangas gives a good explaination of how to change them with long needle nosed pliers in his "560 sel accomplishments" thread. I haven't a clue how the system works though.

__________________
Earl McLain
'02 C230 Kompressor
'89 560 SEL "Frau BlueCar" (retired April 2004)