The plastic grill like (like a target) on one side of my mercedes benz C180 saloon car air mass sensor has broken off. What effect will it have on the operation of the car?

 

If the honey comb mesh is broken, you have to change the MAF or else it will result in:
one of the malfunction light will come up apparently
rough idle
increased exhaust emission
higher gas consumption
When MAF is gone, the on board computer will have a tough time to make a decision regarding air fuel mixture.

You can replace MAF by yourself, its very easy.
I recently changed mine. I have S420.

 

Hi, Thanks a lot for your response.
It true, when I changed the MAS the my C180 now runs smoothly and the malfunction light is no more coming back on after it was reset.

Pls another question: What would make the acceleration on the car go down, even when the accelerator pedal is pressed, when one is on a rough road?

 

I will be able to give accurate answer if you can only explain in detail or elaborate what you said