I have a general idea of what Limp Home Mode is.
But what causes it to go into effect? How will you know? What are the symptoms? (And more specifically, a 1995 C280) THanks for clarifying. This is out of sole curiousity!
(Or if anyone knows of a reference to specific info, that would be great.)

__________________
2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

Happened a couple of times to me on my ASR equipped 500E. I floored the car all throughout 1st to third gears but had to let up on the gas immediately due to the fact that I was running out of road. The ASR light came on (the fault light not the other one which tells you ASR is engaged) and the first 75% or so of pedal travel doesn't move the car at all (I was coasting). If you step on the gas some more, you'd get acceleration but you know the engine computer is only giving you a fraction of the power that is normally available.

I pulled over, shut the engine off and restarted. I was back in party mode....

The fact the limp mode is ever engaged gives you butterflies in your stomach and helps prevent you from pulling off the same antics until you bring the car in to a dealer for a check up. Sometimes, they just tell you to quit driving like an ass.

I understand the engine goes on limp mode if the electronics detect something's out of whack, i.e. preset limits are breached, a major fault is detected, etc.

Not fun...but saves you from destroying your motor I guess...

__________________
Rainmaker
93 500E, 43k mi, Pics of upgrade parts
Evo II Wheels on Dunlop FM901 235/45x17s
94 Facelift
RennTech CF Airbox
RennTech ASR Defeat
RennTech Chip
1st Gear Start
97 Range Rover 4.6 HSE Vitesse, Yellow, "Tonka" (sold)

Techs...?

__________________
2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

The first 'limp' mode I experienced was a 1989 Grand Voyager with the (in)famous electronic-shift 4-speed autobox. When the trasmission computer determined it was getting no data, or 'bad' data it would cut power to the transmission shifter servos. The transmission would then hydraulically drop into 2nd gear and remain there. Quite an experience at 60 mph! Reverse and 2nd gear did not require any electrical power or computer to operate.

I expect that it's a combination of mechanically pre-set injector and spark timing and transmission shifting that will allow the car to run, and make forward progress. Just don't expect that M-B ride to which you're accustomed.

I hope this adds a little insight until someone else can give you the specifics on your car.

BCingU, Jim