I'm new to Mercedes, just bought my first, a 1986 300e, The transmission works great except it doesn't shift into 4th gear and I think its supposed to be a 4 speed automatic isn't it? If so can anyone tell me what might be wrong with it ? could it be an external problem or something wrong with the tranny?

It is possible the trans IS in 4th gear .

Have you checked fluid level warm?

What rpm's does it show at 70mph.?

Does it stay in low gear when cold for what seems too long?

These where good transmissions but need a vacuum signal and correct adjustment of the kick down cable to operate well.

Internal problems are usually soft seal leaks causing internal fluid pressure loss.

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Hello and Welcome!

Please note that your car starts in 2nd gear from a stand still. So it may seem like it only has 3 gears.

If you would like to test this out, with a operating temperature engine, do a full throttle and you will notice that the car will shift to 1st and then rev up.

Or, a more safe and sane way to do this, while stopped and the brake pedal applied, move the shifter from D to 3 and then to 2, then back to 3 and then D. This tells the transmission to start in 1st. Kind of like a user override. If you do it this way make sure you put a little extra throttle so that the car does not shift to 2nd so quickly.

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2006 BMW M5 "Heidi" @ 109,000 miles
2005 MBZ C55 AMG "Lorelai" @ 165,000 miles
1991 MBZ 300E "Benzachino II" @ 165,000 miles
1990 MBZ 500SL "Shoshanna" @ 118,000 miles

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Thanks I'll try that. I guess I should have said it runs about 2700 rpm at 60 and I thought that was way too high, is that what it is supposed to run at 60.

Thanks I'll try that. I guess I should have said it runs about 2700 rpm at 60 and I thought that was way too high, is that what it is supposed to run at 60.