I looked at the 240 air filter container and believe this is how it works. The air first come in from the pre-heat path which has an aluminum hose connected to the exhaust manifold area. The temperature sensor mechanism closes this path and takes air from another path from the front. I just don't know at what temperature this takes place?

I live in an area where temperature almost never goes below 50 and I am thinking of getting rid of the aluminum hose (so, no pre-heated air). Am I making a mistake?

Vin
91 240SE station wagon
200K miles