Here's a brief summary of what happens.

1) Sometimes, when at about 45 mph, when put in kick-down mode (clicked), the car will downshift to 2nd yet will go very very slowly to redline and then into 3rd and everything resumes as normal. Like it climbs from 5,000 rpm to 6,200 rpm VERY slowly.

2) It sometimes stutters in 3rd at around 80 mph (apprx. 5,500 rpm - doesn't go slow like above, just kind of like bucks).

3) In 1st gear, the car will redline. As far as I knew, they maxed in 1st at 5,500 rpm (lower redline than other gears). My 260E is like this...

Any suggestions appreciated. Thank you.

Daniel

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E (W124)
Arctic White/Grey
Debadged
Euro Headlights
Clear Turn Signals and 1994/1995 Taillights
16" x 7J 8-hole
Michelin Pilot HX MXM 205/55WR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W210)
Pearl Black/Ash
Debadged
Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 P225/55ZR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202)
Polar White/Parchment
Michelin Pilot SX-GT 205/60VR15

My Goodness Dan, I would think 2 or 3 times about running a 14 year old motor out to 6,200 revs more than once every six months. Could be floating valves, air starvation, God knows what else. Unless that motor has had a good rebuild, blueprint, etc, your buddy could be asking for trouble. I know the M103 is a rock, but why go looking for heartache.

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

It was owned by an MB master guild technician. Totally rebuilt. Just like mine :-)

OK, got that item out of the way. does the "stuttering" seem like the ignition is breaking up?? With a max power run out to redline, the ignition system has to be perfect. Plugs can get real hot and break down. Same for rotor, cap and wires. When it kicks down at 45 what are the revs? Other possible things, air starvation, sticking throttle plate, coil. If it runs OK under normal conditions (like a trip to the store), then whatever is happening is a response to the application of full power at high RPM's. A chassis dyno would be nice, but I'd look at at the ignition bits. Just my $0.02 worth..

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE