So, still very new to the car and MB in general.

The tranny seems to be slipping a bit during take off when the car is cold. Once it warms up the slipping goes away.

Also, the shifting in general seems to be a bit harsh, for lack of a better word. That issues does not change after the car gets warm.

Just under 200K on the clock. As far as I know stock.

First off, have you changed the transmission fluid and filter lately?

Good stuff in this thread, on how to fix the harsh shifts:

It's CRITICAL... how you set your transmission's vacuum system on your diesel MBZ...

Slipping when cold? Daresay normal for the 200K mileage, have you recently changed the transmission fluid and transmission filter? A clogged filter would cause a restriction before the trannie fluid pump, which would reduce as the fluid warms up, thereby thinning out, and passing through the partially clogged filter easier.

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Got cars and bike:
1984 300D, 310K
2000 kawi ex500
1998 grand marquis, 125K

Mine had this problem too, ended up installing a new transmission

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

I have not, but the PO mentioned that he had had some seals replaced and fairly recently by a reputable shop here in the Asheville area. I did check the fluid level to make sure it wasn't just low. It was only a bit low and look nice and clean.

I will look over the thread you posted, many thanks.

Tim

This is what I really wanted to hear.....

Can you kindly elaborate on your version of "slipping". The term is frequently used for many issues and no firm diagnosis is possible without a clear understanding of the symptom.

Describe exactly what you are experiencing and don't use the word "slip".

Alright,

When the car is first start after sitting for a long time, usually over night. When taking off from a stop the engine will increase RPM like usual, yet the car does not increase in speed at anywhere near normal rate. After going a few blocks in first gear, it will finally shift up. Once you get up to speed (15-20 mph) this does not occur through the rest of the gears even on the cold engine. This also stops happening after driving for a few minutes.

Happy to answer any other specific questions.

Tim

Would it be possible that you're mistaking the pedal position for the problem?

These diesels, when cold..........do not want to move the vehicle. More pedal is required.........which delays the 1-2 shift. The driver believes that something is wrong with the vehicle..........when, in reality, it's just a "cold diesel".

With the type of torque converter that is present (high stall), a specific rpm (say 2000 rpm) won't accelerate a cold vehicle as fast as a warm vehicle. My take is that all the cold oils throughout the system present sufficient drag when cold to absorb a considerable amount of power.

See if you can get another SD owner to drive it for you. Otherwise you might be chasing a "driver expectations" issue. These diesels are not gassers and they don't behave in any manner that's similar.