While changing the oil today on my '86 300E I noticed this flexible aluminum duct connected to the alternator. What in the world is this and how vital is it? As you can see in the attached pic that it is coming apart. Should this be replaced?

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1996 SL320 97K miles
1996 C220 130k miles
1992 500SEL 170k miles <---sold
1986 300E 216k miles <---sold

Looks like a cooling duct for the alternator. I don't think it's critical since the EPC says that you don't have to replace it.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL