Acceleration performance would be affected both hot & OR cold the same amount if the catalyst was plugged. A quick back pressure test will tell the story on that type of problem.

To accelerate on that engine the computer must change the pressure differential in the fuel distributor. The lower chamber fuel pressure must drop for the engine to increase speed. The upper chamber remains constant. There are several sensor imputs that affect how the computer changes the lower fuel pressure. That would be MY starting point, checking how much the fuel pressures change durning acceleration.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator