W208 320 Power Loss

[SilverstoneCLK]

I have a slightly wierd power loss problem! Its on a 1998 W208 CLK320 with 102k miles.

Engine won't rev past 4000rpm at full throttle, and feels really sluggish. BUT feels fine at 3/4 throttle when it revs up past 5000rpm happily.

If you go from 3/4 throttle to full throttle when it is at higher speed, it actually slows down???

Ideas??

 

[GEORGEROV]

Sounds like the engine is being strangled for lack of air at the higher throttle settings whether via the air filter or from an induction air leak. How about checking the various vacuum hoses around the induction system?.

 

[SilverstoneCLK]

Sounds like the engine is being strangled for lack of air at the higher throttle settings whether via the air filter or from an induction air leak. How about checking the various vacuum hoses around the induction system?.

I would agree if it was always feeling strangled, but it revs freely and happily and pulls hard at 3/4 throttle and only gets strangled at full throttle. Could this be some transmission control / kick-down command getting confused?

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Air mass sensor!!!!!

 

[SilverstoneCLK]

Air mass sensor!!!!!

Is there an easy way to confirm this without buying a new one?