I have spent a fair bit of time trying to eliminate the harsh shifts I get
at light throttle on my 1983 W126. Here is what I have done.

-New filter and fluid.
-Correctly adjusted Bowden Cable.
-Checked vacuum at modulator (is a petrol engine so makes lots of its own
vacuum).
-Replaced vacuum modulator (with updated type).

After all of this I still experience unacceptably hard shifts on light
throttle. I have backed the modulator adjustment fully counter clockwise to
see what effect it has and I still cannot get any flaring or slipping - only
hard shifts. In fact I really don't think that the adjustment has any real
effect.

At medium to full throttle I get acceptably smooth shifts (but I spend most
of my time in peak hour traffic driving slowly).

The obvious answer is a new transmission - Does anyone have anything else
they think I should consider checking ?


Doug McCutchan
W124 1987 230TE
W126 1983 280SE
.

Be sure that the vac modulator valve and the plastic pluger behind it are in good shape and are the correct ones for the application. Mercedes has made many of them over the years that are the same in appearance but different in function.
Also be sure that the vacuum at the valve is good. And the cap has to be on and in new shape.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM