need advise on a 95 c280 harsh shifting on light to moderate throttle but feels better on heavier throttle or heavy accelaration. Thanks.

I know that there is a vacum modulator on the side of the transmission that allows the shift quality to be adjusted for harshness / softness.

I don't know if your transmission has a problem that requires rebuilding, or if it just needs an adjustment of the vacum modulator.

I've never done it, so I can't offer specific advice, but if you try a search, there is a lot of info in the archives.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Shift firmness is control by the vacuum modulator on all 722.3, 4 and 5 transmissions. Identifying the transmission is simple; the oil pan has 6 bolts. The modulator is located on the passage side of the transmission; the proper way to adjust it is with a pressure gauge. Turning the T handle CCW will lower pressure CW will raise pressure. The modulator adjusting T handle has a rubber protective cap over it; it is more then just a cover, it is part of the vacuum system , the cap leak vacuum because it cracks, if it does the shifts may be harsh and erratic. If the modulator can not hold vacuum check the cap first before you condemn the modulator; the part # is 126 277 00 81

Probably not the modulator at all, more than likely the throttle valve cable is adjusted too tight, making the transmission act like the throttle is being pressed farther down than it actually is.
Second possiblity is a vacuum leak to the transmission vacuum modulator, making the transmission behave like the throttle is wide open (low/no vacuum) which will result in a harder shift. In either case, when accelerating hard the problem is "hidden" because you actually ARE driving it harder.
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)