Looks like the 260E all have the same common problem. There must be someone somewhere who has a common solution.
exhaust: Checked OK. No plugged Cat converter.
OVP: tried a new one on (new model). Not the solution.
Fuel pump relay: tried a new one, Not the solution.
Octane: tried 87, 89, 91: Not the solution.
Checked ( & double-checked) for vacuum leak: No vacuum leak Manifold vacuum reading at 15in/mg at idle.
Outside the starting problem (when the engine is cold) and low idle speed, the engine runs perfectly. It has lots of power (relative), revs happily , has good gas mileage.
I can't believe that no one can find the solution to our problem.
My beloved Mercedes dealer gave me the most stupid arguement I ever heard: '' All those 260E have this problem. That,s the way Mercedes built them'' (An they charged me 7 hours of diagnostic time @ $85.00/hour to come up with this.)
Any help out there????
JackD