I've noticed what seems like a lot of free play in the throttle linkage in my '81 300TD. When I depress the accelerator there is what seems like an inch or more of play before anything happens. Looking at the linkage on top of the valve cover and manually working the throttle cable there seems to be at least half an inch of movement in a crescent shaped "thingy" before anything actually starts reacting. Surely this is not normal. I'm new to Mercedes so I'm still learning but this does not seem right. I don't think I could ever get used to this. I must say the whole linkage design looks a little convoluted but elegant at the same time. However, it also looks like its doomed to loosen up at some point.

Hello,
A somewhat similar question was posted yesterday about a 240D... I think I know what you mean by the crescent shaped thing. There are two bushings that go between that and the stop lever; replacing those will eliminate a lot of play from the throttle linkage. I did mine a couple months ago (thanks to bennett) and it made quite a difference. Check out this thread:

Throttle linkage parts

I hope that helps!

Nate

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1985 300DT, Classic White, California, 159K
1982 240D, Metallic Silver-Blue, Manual Everything, 376K
1981 240D, Orient Red, Parts Car/Engine Donor, 145K

"When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not. Hmm?" - Yoda

Thanks, it does look like there is something missing or just worn out I guess. I just can't be designed like this.