Mercedes: 190E 1988 model - problem, automatic gearbox, fuel injection system

Question
QUESTION: Hi just a quick question about a problem with a 1998 190E, if you could help it would be greatly appreciated! The car in general accelerates very slowly, often at around 80-100km/h the engine will be at very high rpm 5-6500 and refuses to shift gear, whereas normally the automatic gearbox would shift at much lower rpm. A mechanic suggested that there is a problem with the fuel injection and that it would be expensive to replace - roughly 2000 euro! Do you agree that this is the most likely problem and not something related to the gearbox? Also, if you can suggest which specific part of the fuel injection system it is that would need to be replaced I would appreciate it!


Thanks

ANSWER: Nikos,
By accelerate slowly, do you mean that the engine races and the transmission does not shift at the correct points. There are a couple of possiblities... The Catalytic converter may be clogged up.  or.
This sound more like a transmission problem that an injector problem. The torque converter may be leaking, or your the transmission modulator valve may be leaking. If the modulator valve is vacuum actuated and you have a vacuum leak it will also cause shift problems.
AT highway speed, does the vehicle have good pickup up then?  
Let me know OK?
Good Luck
Rob




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Rob,

Thanks for your reply! The engine sometimes races (6,000 rpm) with the gearbox not shifting at the right point which is usually around 3000rpm. I guess this points at the gearbox. HOwever at other times, even with the accelerator floored the car does not accelerate at all (and in this case the engine is not at high rpm). At highway speed the car also does not accelerate well. A final note that may or may not be relevant as it may be a coincidence, but having passengers i.e. greater weight in the car seems to make the situation significantly worse (more than would be expected due to the extra weight under normal circumstances)

Thanks,

Nikos

Answer
Nikos,
Pull the transmission dip stick and look and smell the fluid. It it looks very dark and and has a burned odor, it definitely indicates transmission failure. Slippage of the bands...
I would have a transmission specialist have a look.
I expect that a rebuild would cost more that a vehicle of this age is worth. So you may be able to locate a used transmission, but there again that is also an unknown unless you know the transmission shifts properly.
Good Luck
Rob