So, test drove a 2000 CLK 430 (convertible) today - very nice condition, 23K miles, garage kept, etc. Nice people.

Started fine, and operated normally - until - driving out of neighborhood, turned onto main highway and it had no power - would very slowly accelerate, but didn't downshift even with pedal all the way to the floor. After about 5 minutes, we stopped, and shut down for a couple of minutes. On restart the CEL came on and stayed on. Pulling away from intersection with pedal fully depressed, it would barely accelerate.

Owner didn't like my idea of disconnecting battery to reset so we left it like that.

Did some searches, but didn't come up with anything definitive - sensor related? Throttle position or crankshaft position of some sort, maybe? Transmission shift solenoid/sensor?

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George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg