In my 1987 300E, when first excellerating from a dead stop, the car seems to hold its shift longer than usual. It seems to rev higher and then drop back into the next gear. Could this be a serious problem, tomorow my tech's teaking a looksee, but should I be worried.

IF you're putting your foot to the floor, then that late shift is correct behavior. It gets the engine revving higher.

-CTH

i had the same problem with my 87 300e. i had many trans shops tell me they would be glad to rip it out and rebuild it. for thier best price of 1800-3200 dollars. ( mercedes sells rebulit trannys for 1000 dollars with a core charge!)
anyway i decided to change the fluid, (not a very good job either, fluid is still dark) anyway, after the fluid change my trans ran like new! i would suggest getting your filter and fluid changed first before going for the rebuild or exchange. it would be a small price to pay if that solves it.
good luck!
adam
p.s. tell me if it works, if you choose that route.

I did the same thing all problems went away!

well It dosen't do it when I put the pedal to the metal, instead even when I'm jsut accelerating. I hope its no bid deal, I hae to have tranny colloing lines out in tomorrow anyway so I';mm have the guy's take a look at it.

The only time a fluid change hurts, is when the stuff has turned dark brown and smells burnt. The new fluid will cause the old, burned clutch packs to disintegrate more.

But, if your tranny is that far gone, it needs rebuilding anyway.

Don't take this as a scare message, what it means, is that a fluid change is "perfectly safe" and with a band adjustment, not a waste of 75$.

-CTH

The fluid is not dark red and burnt, its actually kinda maroon red, and has no odor. I am happy that its no big deal really.