B230F Air Intake System?

Hi Re the flexible silver hose which runs from the air filter box, underneath the radiator shroud and then seemingly into the exhaust manifold(?) - is it critical that this hose is wholly intact - the one on my 740 seems to be holed and disintegrating, although the engine seems to run ok? Also what is the purpose of this item? Thanks folks

That hose is a pain and not needed as stated above, it caused my only breakdown because it mangled itself into the fan belts at high speed which then destroyed themselves leaving me stranded on the M5 with an overheating car. Removed it and no problems what-so-ever, car heats up just as quickly and runs perfectly without it. ;) ALi

Thanks guys