I have a 2003 c230 and when you step on the gas pedal the car will not excel... thetop speed is about 40 mph and has no horsepower at all, also the check engine light is on ?.

Thank you,
Kevin

 

find out what codes you have in the engine control unit

 

It most likely to be a broken gas pedal or gas pedal sensor. I had that same problem and the solution was to replace the entire gas pedal. about $350 at the local dealer.

 

One more suggestion, take off the air filter box, it should just pull off - with care!! (3 minute job)

Look at the air intake scoop, there should be to MAF/MAS with a connector on it, with this off it will not drive, similar as to gas pedal problems.

One way to tell, put the transmission into N, then rev the engine - the stationary limiter will all 2/3rds about 4000rpm of max rev range - can you do this, and how quickly does he engine race??

If it get to 4000rpm quickly, its unlikely to be the MAS connector, but definately worth getting checked,and a very simple check [8D]

Best of luck.