What is this? - 86es airbox part

[e30 Luv]

What is this part? Its on a 1986 325es. Its located on the side of my airbox with a wire connected to it. The wire is part of the same harness that plugs into the Air Flow Meter. It looks like it should have a cover so I've had it covered with a piece of plastic and a zip tie. Its broken now and so I'm wondering what it is, if its important, part number, etc.? Couldn't find it in realOEM.com.

[jlevie]

That looks like the barometric sensor, sans cover.

[e30 Luv]

That looks like the barometric sensor, sans cover.

This doesn't sound like a very vital part. Do you know if it affects anything important?

[Devil Inc]

My '87 ES is missing the sensor part competely. It ran awesome without it. There is a few posts over at s14.net, stating that their M3s felt restricted.

[e30 Luv]

found this older post on the subject:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=92175&highlight=barometric+sensor

consensus says: its barometric pressure sensor. not vital in most cases but could be if you drive at high altitudes. I'll probably replace it because I'm not a fan of loose ends.