what to do , where to start ?
 

I just purchased a 88 300E w/ 85000 mi. It ran great for a short time , but now it will be OK for some few miles then begins to shutter , stutter , and stall. It will restart but , only idle roughly , can't be driven further without stalling. Seems to occur when it comes up to operating temp. not overheating. I'm not having any of the panel lights come on, ck. engine etc. It does emit a little smoke out of exhaust when first started but, quickly dissapates. I've been told it's possibly bad valve seals fouling the plugs out , perhaps a sensor, maybe just a funky fuel filter or fuel itself. Anyone out there with similar exp. or knowledge? PLEASE help a guy out. I'm a first time MB owner , I've heard great things about them and I want to believe. Any and all ideas very much appreciated.THANX MP

Smoke when first started is very common to valve stem seal failures. How much oil are you burning? The plugs will show black deposits if the stems are bad.

If the OVP is original, replace that and hope the stalling is resolved. Search OVP if you need more info. Tons of threads on it.

With any running issues, a proper tune up (plugs, wires, rotor, cap, all fluids, fuel filter) should be done first though.

Agree with ps2cho. Since you may not know its maintenance history, the car should first have a good tuneup, taking note of the condition of the various components in the process (are the plugs fouled, do the wires arc, are the distributor contacts worn, etc.). Right along with the OVP, there are tons of threads about the correct plugs to use. Brand preferences abound, but everyone agrees that the plugs have to be NON-resistor type. Some guys have trouble finding the right plugs, but they're available through dealers and several I-net sources, including the forum sponsor.

Sounds like it could be a fuel issue too. An '88 with 85k miles - was it sitting? For how long?