Who can help me with this one? 1982 Euro 280E. Starts and runs then black smoke from exhaust ! The plugs get black sooty deposits. Distributer suffers as well, but after cleaning, the car runs fine for a few minutes till the black smoke returns. Its obvious that fuel isn't being burned. If it was oil the smoke would be whitish. Does any kind hearted knowledgeable Mercedes man have an idea whats afoot here?

first the car is fuel injected right? second you are talking of the ignition distributor, correct?

i have an 84 280e euro.

mine was doing something similar. after it was warm it would run very rich. using twice the normal amount of fuel. it turned out to be the warm up enrichment compensator. the igintion was unaffected i think. i also believe that the part is the same for us cars.

best i can do. good luck.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Dieselarchetect, Thanks for the tip! Sounds entirely plausible that that enrichment comp is the culprit. I was thinking cold start valve on the old 280E(einspritzer). I can't wait to roll up the sleeves and have at them. By the way, I also have a CD coupe and find it to be a practical personal luxury car, especially during these troubled times!