My 81 300D (722.1) appears to be missing a gear (maybe 2nd). Pulls away string on start but will not shift until 35MPH and then to a gear it cannot pull. Fluid level good, good vacuum to modulator, kickdown switch works OK when in higher gear. Any tips would be appreciated.

Try shifting it manually and see how many gears you get in each position and report back.
I don't know if the 81 was designed with a 1st gear or 2nd gear start.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

If it first shifts at 35 mph it has to be in second gear. You should only feel 2 more shifts.

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81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE.

Have you changed the fluid and filter? My transmission was doing some slipping and flaring. I added a bottle of Trans-X and ran that for a while, then changed the fluid and filter and it has stopped all the slipping and flaring.

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It's fresh fluid and filter. The trans does not shift manually any better. The kickdown doesn't give me a lower gear when starting. I have gotten it going downhill to highway speed and it shifts into 4th. It doesn't really get going enough to stay in third unless it's flat or downhill.

Now it sounds as if you have engine problems and not transmission problems. Have you changed the fuel filters?
Explain what happens when you shift it manually. Does it start in 1st? Does it shift into second when you move the shifter to the second position?

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13