'97 E300 slow to shift out of park

[Paul H]

I have an opportunity to buy this car for what I feel is a good price but the seller says that there is a 3 second delay of the transmission when shifting out of park. I have done lots of looking and can't find any symptoms like this. The car has about 265,000 miles and has been well kept inside and out.
Does anyone have a clue if this is something that can be fixed easily or what may be causing it. Many thanks!

[97 SL320]

There were issues in 96 with "garage shift" where there would be an engagement delay the first time the shifter is moved after sitting overnight. This was fixed with a valve body and trans computer update. Depending on when this car was built is might have 96 parts.

The trans might be low on fluid, it needs a special tool dipstick stick to check.

Is there a delay every time the shifter is moved or just after sitting overnight? On some cars if the torque converter check valve leaks, the TC will drain out overnight and feel like no engagement. The check for this is to dip stick the trans after sitting overnight but with the engine off. If the fluid is many inches over the full mark, the TC is draining out.

I've also seen various brand of trans have a hard filter o ring, this causes a suction leak and delayed engagement.

You could always get a trans rebuild estimate and have the seller drop the price that amount. This way if it turns out to be low fluid or valve body issue you are ahead.

[Paul H]

Thanks for the reply. I'll follow your advice.