1992 300TE not shifting from 2nd.
 

I purchased the third Mercedes of our family a month ago. It's a 305k mile example of a 1992 300TE RWD that's been cared for well enough not to look its age. Although I have one problem with it I can't quite figure out. It shifts hard from 1st to 2nd but 2nd to 3rd it goes to redline but no shift. If I move the shift lever from D to N then back letting the engine RPM drop to 1200 it sometimes shifts on to 3rd and then 4th.
Sorry for the lengthy post but I figured I'd try to explain as much as there was going on. Please help, I'm contemplating admitting I made a mistake and sell it on.

Thanks in advance.

Disconnect kickdown switch and see if that fixes issue....although I think its probably a different issue.

Start with new filter and fluid.

Any history? 300k on a 722.3 is getting towards the end if it hasn't been cared for meticulously...

It looks like the transmission has been rebuilt not too long ago. I cant say by who but it looks like everything hooked up correctly.
I tried the kickdown switch and no luck. I'm suspecting the governor teeth or something like that. It sounds like the transmission is the reason the car was sold. BTW I got a really good deal on it...seemed like it at the time anyway.

A gasser with 300K is pretty much at the end of its life. These cars don't go "500K". Not saying they can't, but its unlikely. You get to the point where everything is replaced or you replace the car itself :)

I see what you're saying but something won't let me just dump it. I only paid $700 for it so I can spend a little more on it.

Also it's in really good shape all around.