Okay when I first got the 500SEL I didn't notice anything weird. After a while and after I floored it a couple of times, I noticed that the trans was acting real funny. It would always start in first gear then not shift till redline. Also it would be very eager to downshift after that.
I thought this was the trans slipping at first. However I noticed one night that the problem was gone. It was after I floored it once did the problem disappear. Now I can only make this problem come back when I floor it. It gets stuck and redlines, but if I push the pedal all the way down a couple of times, it goes back to normal.
After reading the posts on the web site, I speculated that it might be the kickdown switch or solenoid. Am I right? Again this problem only happens when I floor it. If it is, would this be an easy fix for myself?
Also while I'm on the subject of the pedal, it's kind of loose. I have to really press it to accelerate. Is there any way I could tighten it up?
TIA

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1985 500SEL 124k miles
2001 Honda Civic EX

Also the "B" lock-in switch on the gear shift can cause this problem.
Many times the switch sticks in the lock position.

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Thanks, I noticed that there was some debris in the gear shifter. Would that cause this problem?
If so, how could I remove the panel to get to it.

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1985 500SEL 124k miles
2001 Honda Civic EX

Hey - I realize this is a really old thread, but I'm having very nearly the same problem. Was this ever resolved?

thanks,
Trevor
84 500SL Euro

Ditto here, I think my B switch is stuck though, anyone have a wiring diagram for it? Gen1 126.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

nevermind.

the thread got me motivated enough to take mine apart today and test it- its not the switch. guess I'll keep looking.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350