I have an 86 SL with a switch by the shift lever for Sport or Economy. I've tried both selections but didn't seem to make a difference. They both shift kind of hard unless I take my foot off of the gas when shifting. Any solenoid or cable I should look for? Or should I notice a big difference? Thanks.

I've seen cars like yours. What country are you in? I've NEVER seen an SL with a S/E switch on the shifter. Yours must be EURO Specification. Shifting hard could be various things. One simple thing is when was the transmission serviced (filter/fluid)? Remember the vacuum modulator controls how hard the transmission shifts. I'd adjust the modulator key counter-clockwise to see if shifts soften.

__________________
Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

Thanks,The guy I got it from said it.s a European grey market car,whatever that means. I guess it must be kinda rare because I can't find it listed on the NADA classic car value guide. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Or sometimes the vac hose comes off the modulator or off the manifold, lack of vacuum makes it shift hard, so make sure there is even vacuum at the hose before adjusting anything.

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Thanks,I wasn't aware of a vacuum modulator,I thought it just had the kick down cable. I'll look again.Where's it located on the transmission?

If this is a 560SL it's attaches at the back of the engine at the passengers side right under the Bowden Cable bracket IIRC. Yes, I wrote that post about adjusting the modulator assuming vacuum is properly functioning nor nothing is disconnected.

__________________
Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

Um, pretty sure it's on the drivers side, will have a colored plastic cover on it with a rubber cap on the end, look for the vacuum hose attaching to it.

Copy form another website, it's the red thing:

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

The Economy / Sport switch acts on the bowden cable. If your car is actually has the system you'll know, there is a box with a vacuum line going to it (on the passenger side of the transmission).

Some later US cars used a similar setup to delay shifts until the cat is warmed up.

-J

__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.