1990 Mercedes 300E will not start

[Ninasteel]

Hi all,

I need some help. I have a 1990 Mercedes 300E with a 3.0 gas engine. three days ago the car suddenly lost power, as in foot flat to the floor and my best speed was 30mph. The engine sounded like it had turned in a four banger with a tinny whining sound. As I was only four blocks from home I kept going. By time I git to the drive way I was going about 3mph.
Today it won't start, meaning it will turn over but no vroooom. So here is what I did so far.

1.Took the number one spake plug wire off, connected it to a spare spark plug and turned it over. I saw a good bright spark.

2. Next I poured two tablespoons of gas down it's throat and turned it over. It did not even try to start. I tried this with no throttle and wide open throttle. (this was done to rule out gas delivery issues. Of course I didn't expect it to start, but I did expect it to hit on two or three cylinders)

3. Next I tried holding up the "goldish colored" valve to let more air in (to counter a flooded condition) and I repeated step 2. Nothing.


If my 1973 Mustang responded this way I'd say the timing was waaay off.


Help!!

Nina