When I step on the gas at 50 or 60 MPH to try and pass or something it 'lurches' like it is trying to downshift but it doesn't. I don't think I have ever felt the car downshift. Also it does this when upshifting from 2-3, and sometimes from 3-4. I almost got hit by a truck the other day and figure it is time to get under the hood and find it.

Thanks.
Ce

__________________
87 300SDL "Sherman"
89 VW Jetta diesel

That sounds like the same problem that I have sort of.
When I'm driving along, and I gunn it without hitting the kick down switch it revs high and doesn't do anything, and whilst moving off from a stop it flares in every shift. Search "transmission" on this site and you'll be sure to find something that will help you..

What model Benz do you have?

__________________
RIP: 80 300SD
RIP: 79 450SEL
2002 E430 4matic (212,000km)
2002 ML500 'sport'

____________________________
FACEBOOK: PANZER450

I would start by looking over the vacuum system and I would start by re-working ALL the vacuum connectors. Good vacuum to the transmission makes a world of difference on these cars and it is cheap and easy to do.

My transmission was flaring badly and was related to a vacuum leak at the EGR valve...turned out to be 39cent fix....search for EGR valve also. There is also a short piece of vacuum hose connector down on the transmission going to the modulator valve and one up top right behind the fuel pump. I found great piece of mind by just replacing ALL the vacuum connections I could get to...total cost was under 20 bucks and BINGO a lot of stuff started working better, like the transmission, door locks, vents, and fuel door lock.

Well worth a shot.

__________________
Mark
1983 300TD Wagon
Even a broken watch is right twice a day

Maybe a kick down switch problem. It's under the go pedal. Try disconnecting it and see if it changes anything.

__________________