Air filter and turbo would be my first suspects, most likely the turbo (I have spares in parts now also on ebay).

Pull the air filter box first, look for possibly an animal has built a nest in the intake, filters don't naturally clog that quickly.

If the filter system is clear, pull the rubber elbow leading into the aluminum box beneath the filter box, reach your figers in and press on the aluminum door, see if it pushes open smoothly. I haven't heard of it happening but in gassers this airflow-meter door can sometimes get damaged by backfire and stick.

Next would be the turbo. Pull the rubber elbow on the turbo, reach your fingers in to see if the impeller spins freely. Also push/pull to see if there is end-play. Last look in there to see if it is full of oil. If it doesn't spin freely, you've found your problem, the most expensive and PITA of the three I mention, but magnitudes better than a head-gasket job.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

i changed all filters,air filter ok,took turbo elbow off reached in no play in shaft,some oil, spins,but maybe a bit stiff,my 617 turbo spins more freely.i guess a compression check would have to be next,i dont feel ok about doing head gasket myself,

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95 e320,87 sdl,79 300sd

would fouled injectors give these symptoms

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95 e320,87 sdl,79 300sd