Just bought a 1987 300e gas 3.0 inline 6 and it has some issues. It's hard to start when cold but once warmed up runs smoothly and starts easily. Very slow acceloration and once it hits 45 MPH it creeps to 60 MPH but won't go over 60. Transmission does not appear to be slipping as tack moves with speedometer. I have found similar posts in the archives but no specific solutions that worked and if they ever solved their problem I couldn't find where they came back and told how they solved the problem.

Anyone have an idea what could be wrong or where to start looking for the problem. Thanks, Tom

How many miles does it have? My dad bought a 97 ford taurus which was owned by a guy who changed the oil (and I believe it) every 3000 right on the dot. However, he didn't do any ignition maintenance to the car. The result: the engine spins smooth, had good mounts, and idles fine, but when it comes to putting it under load the corrosion and fouling on the ignition points throughout the system inhibit spark at higher engine speeds.

My intuition tells me that if you're experiencing strange acceleration you should see about driving another one to know if that's normal. I thought my 380se was slow as a horse drawn tanker trailer, but when I drove another one I realized they're all like that.

Also, find a manual on your car because knowing the resistance limits on things like wires, plugs, caps, rotors, and ignition coil is your guideline for what's good and what's bad.

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- - - '77 federal 280e - 222k miles
- - - '85 380se - 129k miles
- - - '07 Chevy truck
- - - '79 Datsun 280zx with '82 turbo motor
- - - Currently looking for a clean 190e with less than 160k miles.

My thoughts... you either have a clogged fuel filter or an exhaust restriction. Either one will limit top end performance. The catalytic converter monolith may be breaking up and the chunks are blocking the exhaust. Change the filter and shake the converter to see if you can hear chunks rattling around.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K

Thanks for the ideas. I changed the fuel filter and the performance improved but I still don't think it is quite wright yet. The check engine light is on. I have a book ordered but not here yet. I'll shake the catalitic converter tomorrow and look into the rotor and cap. I am a prety handy mechanic but without the book am at a loss.

Thanks again for the ideas and if you think of anything else please let me know.