2000 ML 430 no acceleration, with numerous CEL codes

[Boston Benz]

The problems with this ML are probably similar to other MBs. I'm hoping someone here on the General Tech Page can chime in. My friend has a 2000 ML 430 with 180,000 miles on it. He was driving it yesterday when he lost all acceleration. The car will coast @ 3 m.p.h. or so, but any attempt to accelerate makes the car nearly stall/buck. It only moves @ idle when in D. The car idles nicely in P or D, you just can't touch the accelerator.

The CEL codes are clustered, P0300, P0170, P0303, P0130. I know what all of these codes mean. I think the O2 sensor code is piggy-backed onto another code. Can anyone point me in the direction to start looking for a solution? Does this sound like an ETA? A module maybe? The spark plugs were changed probably 60,000 miles ago. Is there a typical fault with these that causes 4 codes to occur? I doubt that a misfire in cylinder 3 can cause the car to just not move. A misfire in 4 out of 8 cylinders would though.

[Zulfiqar]

this looks odd, but it maybe a clogged catalytic converter on that bank. You will need a scan tool to see the air being ingested into the engine and what data is registering at the o2 sensors.

check the fuel trims too, if they are too far positive then your MAF sensor might be bad. The rich trims also show up if the breathing system is leaking.

[Boston Benz]

Thanks for the reply. Do you happen to know what those values are supposed to be? I do have a code reader that gives live streaming data.

UPDATE: I noticed that the engine takes about 10+ seconds of cranking and then it reluctantly starts. I also noticed that sometimes the engine responds directly with the accelerator and sometimes it's delayed, you press the pedal, nothing happens, two-seconds later the engine responds - weird. I'm wondering if there's water in the fuel...

[Hirnbeiss]

You have misfires and a fuel trim code (currently limited to one bank). I would suspect fuel delivery on that side first, rather than cats. I would probably clear codes and see which ones recur.

You probably want to post here also: W163 M-Class - Mercedes-Benz Forum
There is a knowledgeable user (43sqd) who will help troubleshoot IF you respectfully follow his steps to a tee.

[97 SL320]

Originally Posted by Boston Benz

I know what all of these codes mean.

It would be helpful if you posted the meanings, not everyone is going to look them up or know the MB description off the top of their head.