Took my car to the local MB dealer and they have no idea what is happening with my car...i'm so frusterated!

A few months ago the transmission would intermittently downshift at crusiing speed, or not upshift upon acceleration. As mentioned this would be intermittent and didn't seem to be heat related - very random.

Soon after my reverse in the transmission went, and i had to have the reverse band changed in the transmission. The problem then disappeared completely for about a month. UNTIL

One day a few weeks ago the transmission started to do the same thing again, but NOW it's constant - the transmission seems to have no idea what gear it should be in. The only way i can seem to correct it it to "punch" the accerlator and engage the kickdown switch.

When I take the car out I am getting burning smell from the engine or transmission - not sure exactly where it's coming from.

I've taken the car to numerous shops including dealer - and nobody knows what's happening. I have searched these forums and many others with no luck. Has anyone else encountered this???

Other things which may or may not be important in this situation - car is out of alignment, and sometimes the power steering whines.

1988 MB 560SEC European Spec - Japanese car now in North America.

Someone PLEASE HELP

My guess would be a blown diaphragm in the modulator valve which is on the passenger side of the transmission with a single vacuum hose going up to the engine...easy to replace. The split diaphragm will let the engine suck transmission fluid into the manifold, hence the smell. Loss of vacuum will confuse the transmission as to when to shift and what gear to be in...

I agree. Sounds like a vaccum problem, check the lines to make sure you have good vacuum, do the repair. Mine is starting to slip off the line a little so I think the B2 valve is going.

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1983 300SD, 4 speed
1994 C280
1987 300TD wagon
1996 HD Road King

Ride in Peace Eric Peterson, Harley of Macon