Front under side air intake

[Reggies]

My first post but need help.
I have an old C180 1995 petrol automatic.
I had this noise coming from the near side front wheel, and I found an air intake, black plastic cowling that came from the front but had dropped down a couple of inches but was rubbing on the tyre.
The plastic was in a right mess, so I had to cut it away.
Can anyone tell me what it was for and will it do any harm with it missing.
I have given it a drive and seems to be ok.

 

[A250 Bennyboy]

Are you sure it's not a cold air feed for the brakes?
Would of thought if it was air intake then your car wouldn't be work very well.

 

[Reggies]

Yes air intake part of it still go's to the wheel.
I will give it a longer test run.
There is a second one on the drivers side to.

 

[Dec]

Is it the wheel arch liner you are talking about?
Picture C180 1995 W202.

Dec

 

[Reggies]

That looks like it but my one looked like it had a scoop at the front for air intake, on a closer inspection it was were it had dropped down.
Thanks for the help all.
Reg