As the "der Dieseling Doktor" , in this thread:
85 Mercedes 300D Automatic Transmission Lifespan... pointed out that most transmission wear when shifting. I think my trany is original (185K miles) and probably well worn (sometimes will flare on 3-4 shift). Minimizing in-town shifts by selecting "S" will be beneficial to my old trany. I also want to have some fun while figuring this trany system out. What do you guys think?