Yes to both questions. The transmission has a vacuum-based modulator to control the firmness of the shift quality. With low vacuum (or no vacuum) to the modulator, the shifts will be VERY firm. You may have to order the plastic vacuum line, our forum sponsor should have it on their website.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]