Hello gentlemen.

I've posted here before, and got some mighty good advise that has really helped me in my quest to make this fine car good again.

Owned it since April '07, and have replaced alot of previously done work and rewiring. I bought the service manual at the MB store here. Big help!

Bought a few used and a few new parts. A local garage has been really helpful with the used parts.

But I have a problem that has me perplexed.

2.3L 8V. Original engine. 150K miles on odometer.

When I start it up cold, outside temp 60 degrees F or so, it goes to fast idle just fine. If I try to drop in in DRIVE, it will die. Starts right back up everytime. If I press the gas pedal just a bit, it will run fine, and let me drive it.

Warmed up, it will usually die at a traffic light when stopped. Tach indicates about 800 rpm before it starts running rough. Also has no idle power. Will die when I put it in reverse or drive.

In normal driving, it is fast, and has good, if not decent acceleration. Gas mileage is OK, but I do notice that the tail pipe is black and the cat converter really stinks sometimes.

I've replaced all the vacuum lines on the engine and tranny. No leaks. The formed hoses all seem to be OK... They are hard, but not cracked...

I am beginning to understand how this car works from what I have read in the service manual, and a Haynes manual. Can somebody here point me in a direction? The idle air valve clicks when I turn on the ignition, and all the vacuum lines are connected to the right places... Just doing this much has improved the vacuum on the economy gauge.

This car was having idle issues when I got it. I started running premium gas, installed a new fuel filter (Wix), fixed the numerous oil leaks, replaced lots of other parts that were obviously damaged or missing. I've put over 3000 miles on it since the end of May, when I tagged it. It continues to run better and better the more it is driven. Im glad I bought it. Incredible ride, too!

Thanks!

Bruce
Asheville, NC

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My first Mercedes Benz. 4/6/07.

1984 190E (201 024) 2.3L four.