Flowdrip,
I am not sure this helps but I had the hard first shift and the nice 2nd-3rd flair when cold especially frustrating when merging. I put in synthetic oil and new filter this weekend and the hard shift is better anf the flair is gone. I think I will adjust the vacuum on the hard shift to see if I can get that smoothed out.
hope this helps you.
m

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Martin Ingram
Colorado Springs
2005 320 CDI
2006.5 VW Jetta TDI
1991 560SEL (179000 Sold)
1972 280SEL 4.5 ('The Lead Sled' 320000 miles when sold.)
1972 220D (225000 when sold)