I took my Freelander 2 (2012 SD4 HSE) out on the sand and had a great time. It handled it brilliantly, and had no issue keeping up with the 'big boys' although it could use a bit more clearance.

Anyway when I got home I found a heap of sand in the air intake, which I vacuumed out, however there is a whole heap of what I think is sound deadening in the air-box which is almost impossible to get sand out of.

Do I need this foam in the air intake or can I remove it? What purpose does it serve - is it just sound deadening or does it do something else? I've never come across it before.