I just bought my first Mercedes a few weeks ago. Awesome car. Great price. Very meticulous former owner.

Tonight on the way to see The Davinci Code, something bad happened. The transmission seems to be having some issues. I hope it can be fixed, cheap.

It's an '82 300TD, w123.

It drives, yes. But not very well. It won't shift into second gear until about 3,200 rpm. Third gear happens at about 3,500 rpm. After hitting 3,500 rpm, the transmission seems to fix itself, and starts behaving normally again. When it's in "misbehaving" mode, after you let off the gas pedal (or diesel pedal?) it won't go into neutral. This problem too fixes itself after hitting 3,500 rpm.

I checked the transmission fluid, and it's between the two lines on the dipstick, a little closer to the bottom line.

I hope I can fix this. Any expert opinions? Possible vacuum issue? Or transmission bushings (i read a little about those at Diesel Giant's page), dunno. I really love this car. I don't want to have to have a new tranny put in her already.

I will say, Mercedes does kick some ass. For a broken car, it drives okay!!