I was n the process of replacing my alternator on my 89 240. After removing the cover for the bottom of the engine, I noticed the hot air intake hose was damaged. I've heard these cars don't need this and to just remove it. Any t thoughts?

 

The hot air intake is controlled by the air box thermostat - inside the air filter box. Look to see if it's still there controlling an air flap that chooses cold air (below about 45 degrees) or hot air. The thermostats normally only last a few years and when bad the default is hot air. That hot air all the time is not good for your air mass meter. ( Sure i've removed quite a few air box heated air flaps on older cars) Perhaps in Northern climates heated intake air is needed to prevent icing - but that is not a problem in my climate.