280CE slow to accelerate
 

Someone gave us a 1983 280CE, originally from Germany, probably has 175000 miles on it. It runs but is slow to accelerate; you have to floor it and eventually it builds up speed, then it runs pretty good. I'm thinking replace the fuel filter first (I don't know what servicing has ever been done). Can you tell me where it is on this car? A 1977-1981 Haynes manual came with it but it's not clear to me if we have a mechanical or electrical fuel pump. The people who I got it from said the 1980 U.S. 280CE model parts would work in this car. NOBODY around here will work on it...the guy at the local Mercedes repair shop said this is the one model he won't touch. Also, the transmission hesitates and shifts kind of rough. Should I do a fluid and filter change? I've heard that can be a problem with an old car, but what else can you do for it? Thanks for any help.

the fuel filter is under the car next to the passenger side rear wheel, above the fuel pump.

Yes 1980 280CE parts will work if they looks the same.

Change the tranny fluid and filter, it won't hurt the tranny. If you did a tranny flush it would probably hurt it.

You have a electric fuel pump

thanks for your help!

280ce won't accelerate
 

Does the trans upshift at any time when accelerating?
Perhaps the throttle pressure linkage misadjusted or missing. What happens when you manually shift the trans using the shifter lever?
Even though the car was intended for euro use only it should now have a catalyst on it, It may be plugged.
Mike Freeman