1989 300e Throttle Cable Replacement
 

I have an issue where my throttle gets stuck. A quick tap on the peddle gives back control. I looked at my throttle cable and it is falling apart although still useable. I would like to replace this as a first step in resolving this issue. What is involved with replacing this cable? I have limited space to work on the car at this moment but if it less than 2 or 3 hours I can block out some time at a friends house to work on it.

1 hour should see it done.
I changed mine in less than this - on a right hand drive model.

I suspect the throttle return problem is more to do with the springs, lack of lubrication or bent components.

What's the state of the spring behind the throttle pedal?

There was a recall involving something to do with the throttle on these cars that Benz may still be honoring. It's been only a few years since they "fixed" mine on my 89 300E even though it wasn't exhibiting any symptoms. They actually notified me by mail! I had them check my 88 300E too but they said that that one had already received the "fix". You should look into that recall.
Regards, Eric

The recall that Eric mentioned is to replace the throttle guide/bushing (recall no. 930613).

The spring looks OK - but I really have no way to test it. It seems to be relatively rust free and has a seemingly strong pull. The cable has lost most of the plastic around the steel sheath and is very rusty on the exposed steel. Interestingly the cable doesn't seem to fit well into the adjustable bushing - it seems to not hold the cable at all when the spring pulls the lever back - I am guessing that a bad cable may stick sometimes - and when the spring pulls back - it pushes the cable out of the bushing and gets stuck on the lip of the bushing - and will not allow the throttle to go back to idle. It's only a guess. Ill call MB tomorrow about the recall and let you know what I find. Thanks for the help.

If you have rusting and decomposed sheathing on the throttle cable, I think you've just found the problem. MB will make the recall repairs, because they're obligated to, but they're going to want to replace the throttle cable/linkages too, and that seems necessary, according to your description of the condition they're in.

Just got back from the local MB dealer. Ran the vin number - the recall repairs were performed in '93 - the year of the recall. Throttle cable cable on order!