My '92 190e 2.3 8V has this problem: it will not downshift to the lower gears, even if the revs are low in the current gear. Let's say I'm in 2nd and almost stopped, even if I floor it, the car won't drop into 1st (it has 1st gear start). To get 1st, you have to be stopped. Same if I'm in 3rd going 30 mph, even with my foot to the floor it won't downshift to 2nd. To get 2nd, I have to go at a maximum of 25 mph it seems. In 4th, forget about 3rd if I'm past 60.

It will downshift if I use the shifter, but of course there is no way of getting 1st this way.

-Fluid + filter are a year old
-Modulator was adjusted (by feel)
-I tried adjusting the bowden cable both ways. It will delay the shifts but not have an influence on the downshifts it seems.
-There does not seem to have a kickdown switch under the pedal