If the car is a automatic then it sounds as if the linkage is correct!! All of this is to allow extra tension on kickdown cable. The switch you are describing is for decell-shutoff, emission control. There is a white plastic grommet that wears out & creates even more play than designed. Main thing is that at full throttle the throttle plate is completely open!!

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR
1986 190E 16V