91 300E, 126,000 miles. I believe my trans starts out in 2nd gear (correct me if I'm wrong). Anyways, if it starts in 2nd gear, then when the trans shifts from 3rd to 4th (the 2nd shift) I think it may be slightly "sloppy." Now when I say sloppy, I mean it doesn't shift as crisply or firmly as the shift from 2nd to 3rd. 2nd to 3rd is very tight and sometimes even seems to slam (although I have learned from all my other previous Mercedes that this is a fairly common trait). But the shift from 3rd to 4th isn't as quick, in fact it seems to last a split second longer, perhaps more closely resembling the shift quality of an American car. It sort of feels like you're driving a manual transmission and letting the clutch out a little more slowly than usual. There's a definite beginning and end to the shift process, but it just seems to last slightly longer than I'm used to, almost as if it's "hanging" for just a moment before actually shifting. And under load (i.e. spirited acceleration) the hanging seems more pronounced. But if you drive the car moderately (i.e. normal acceleration and not like you stole it) you almost don't notice it.

I have owned the car since beginning of August and have put 8,000 miles on it without any problems. Either the slow shifting just started recently, or I never noticed it before. I have checked the fluid twice since I bought it, most recently about a month ago. The fluid looked almost new and was at the proper level. Should I change the fluid and filter just to be safe? Should I run a trans flush first? If so, can anyone recommend a specific product?

Is this normal? Am I just paranoid?

Thanks in advance everyone!

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

1) Check the transmission fluid level and make sure it is right.
2) When was the last time the transmission oil/filter has been replaced. Sometime, new oil makes miracles.
3) You can adjust the transmission firmness/sloppiness with the vacuum activated transmission modulator. A very easy task.
it is located on the left side of the transmission. There is a plastic cover (about 2 1/2in diameter).remove carefully. Turn the adjustment counterclockwise for firmer shifts, clockwise for sloppier shifts. Only a few degrees at the time.

You are correct. It will start in first if you "floor it". There's a microswitch that does the job. Or if, while stopped, you pull the shift lever back to "2" and than back up to drive, it will start in first that one time. Great fun.

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Norm in NJ
Next oil change at 230,000miles

Thanks for the input, however I wasn't looking for instructions on how to change the fluid or adjust the modulator. What I wanted to know is if this type of shifting is normal. Is the somewhat sloppy shift an indicator of impending transmission failure? Or is it maybe just something "sticking" which might be cured by running a trans cleaner through there and then flushing/changing the fluid?

Again, it runs and shifts pretty normally except for the slightly softer and longer (i.e. not as "crisp") shift from 3rd to 4th.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

it's not politically correct to label anything "normal."

You're talking about that almost 'clutch feeling' shift? My wagon has done that since the day I bought it with 66,000 miles. It increases the harder you step on the gas right? Sounds 'normal'. Mine actually does it more on the 1 to 2nd gear shift when I jump on it.

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dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles

Sloppiness is not normal, this is why I suggested you could need a modulator adjustment.
On part throttle, the 3 to 4th gear shift should almost be imperceptible but should not feel as "hanging' between gears.
You said: "And under load (i.e. spirited acceleration) the hanging seems more pronounced". Again, this is not normal. A stronger acceleration should produce a crisper shift, not a longer "hanging".
At least, this is how mine operates

YES - you hit the nail on the head! That's exactly what mine feels like, and I started worrying that maybe something is slipping and that the trans is on its way out. And yes, it increases the harder you step on it, meaning it seems to take longer to shift. But under moderate or light throttle, you don't even notice it.

How many miles are on your wagon now? And does it still do the clutch shift? If so, have you noticed it worsening at all over the years? How often do you change the fluid & filter? And most importantly, for purposes of comparison, what type of wagon are we talking about - 123 or 124? Mine is a 124 (300E) with 126,000 miles.

Thanks for the input!

__________________
08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280