1995 E300 Performance Problems?

[husk]

I just picked up a 1995 E300 with ~200k miles. I have a couple questions about this vehicle. Upon purchase of this vehicle I have done some common maintenance, i.e. changing both fuel filters, air filter, cleaning EGR Valve, running diesel purge, checking for fuel leaks from plastic lines, cleaning Intake Manfold, coolant flush, transmission fluid/filter change, cabin filter replacement, lubricating linkages etc.

1. I notice that when going up hill the car runs out of steam, I can probably go 70mph max when pinning the accelerator to the floor (transmission does not kick down, although it does kick down at lower speeds) On some inclines I slowly lose speed while climbing. On my 1999 it always pulls and I have never lost speed when climbing hills. Is this common? Is my kick down switch bad? Transmission cable need adjusting?

2. Is there a under body panel below the transmission and engine? (I think mine is missing this)

3. There are 2 or 3 loose vacuum lines that run right behind the oil dipstick, is this the way these lines are supposed to be run? It looks like there could be a possibility that these could get caught in the fan shroud? It seems weird that Mercedes would run these lines so close to the fan.

4. On flat ground the fastest speed I can muster is 90mph (attempted this on an old runway) I thought these cars were quicker?

5. Is there any other maintenance that needs to be done on this vehicle?

6. Also there is some of that yellow film on parts of the motor, how do I get rid of this>
Thanks