Sandstorm,

Been through this one on two cars. One was my mothers 89 190E 2.6 and the other was a client's 190 2.3. I don't think you have a fuel filter problem. I think the problem is in the idle air management system. The idle air valve mentioned above is probably not functioning properly. It gets its signal from the ECM. I would try cleaning it first as suggested, and if that doesn't work, you can apply 12 volts to the valve and start the car. I don't have the wire colors handy, but you can remove the plug and check for 12 volts at one of the connectors with the key on. If you have 12 volts, the problem is the wiring to the ECM or the ECM itself which is what provides the control signal. By removing the connector and applying voltage and ground to the valve, the car should idle at a high rpm if the idle air system is the problem.

Peter

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