My 83 300d experiences very different shifts when it is cold and when it is hot. My fluid level is good so I dont think that has any bearing on the problem. When it is cold outside (roughly 40 degrees F and below), the trans doesnt want to shift until 3500rpms or more, and when it finally does it shifts hard. Sometimes it will not get past second or third, and you have to quickly shift into neutral and back to drive for it to shift to the next gear. Yes, I break torque to do this, so dont get the impression that i am drop shifting my benz. Once the car has warmed up, (15-20 mins of normal driving) it goes back to shifting like normal. Another way that you can make it shift into forth is to very quickly blip the throttle heavily, and it will sometimes shift. I havent checked vacuum levels to trans yet, but I have no idea how temp would affect the vacuum. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!

GLIDEHM