air injection compressor

[bernardm]

I am a new cotributor to this site and I have a 1994 e320 sportsmatic and I have I think a very noisy air injection compressor, it comes on at cold startup and stays on for about 2 minutes and then goes quiet. It does seem to have the effect whilst its operating in as much that there does not seem to to be much power available until the compressor clutch disengages. I can not find any info regarding this device of what it is supposed to do or even if it is necessary. Could it be detrimental to the car if it failed. It has been mentioned that it is only fitted for the american market but I would be very pleased for any help in this matter.