95 E420. What is this?
 

Okay, I admit, I'm not that knowledgable that I know everything there is to know. In fact, I know a little bit about engines, but there's also a lot I don't know.

Now my question: I discovered a broken vacuum connector (am I right?) under the hood and I was wondering what the function of this thing in the picture is, the one with the missing vacuum line. Can anyone tell me what it does and what effect this broken vacuum connector has?

Thank in advance.

as shown above, it is the egr valve Exhaust Gas Recirculation, it allows some exhaust gasses to retun to the intake.

It affects performance and emissions. Disconnecting it improves performance and increases emmisions.

Thanks guys!