tranny on 1993 190 seems to shift a bit hard in to first gear when cold?
 

I'm a new owner. Is that normal or are problems coming?

Any advice or wisdom from the experts? Please

Your first shifts can be delayed and feel a bit hard during the first kilometer of warmup. Has to do with protecting your cat from unburned fuel before being heated up. It is normal.

amg while I have no understanding of that I really appreciate your reply. Makes me feel better. Thanks.

hi,

I'll try and elaborate on the last answer...

Your cataylitic converter needs to warm up when you first start up from cold. Bit of a pain in the arse, on my 300E it usually takes around 1-2mins. This will delay the shift from 1-2 as the car warms up.

You can let the car warm up b4 driving off, (which some people don't recommend) or just take it easy for the first couple of minutes driving.

I thank you for the replies.
I also just read on a car review site that this car often has a faulty vaccum modulater. Maybe somebody will know about those. Mines a 190e.

Automatic transmission: Transmission shifts may be harsh or erratic due to a defective vacuum modulator. (1990-93)

You said -when cold- and if that is your only problem it is no problem...

The real reason to this delay in upshift is emission related and the more cold ambient temps the longer it takes to warm up the cat sufficient.

Can feel a little strange when it is freezing cold, like if something is sticking in the tranny. But again, this is normal.
L.

Thanks again. Much appreciated. I'm too new to know anything, lol

The trans on the 190e does the same thing. Since it is a 1987 is starts in 2nd gear. Once warm it seems fine. I use the warm up time to drive gently and it is probably better for the engine in the long term anyway.

Haasman