start by checking your mixture.

Was the car originally bought in CA?

Transmission cannot go into safe mode.

What happens when you accelerate? When the engine is Cold? When warmed up?

How does it idle?

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E