Have a 1988 300E. For reasons unbenknownst to me, sometimes--and only sometimes--there is a lag between putting one's foot on the gas and the transmission downshifting.
When the transmission downshifts, however, it does so smoothly. No bucking or slipping--EVER.

I have owned several 300E 3.0 litres, so I know how these transmissions normally operate.

Is there a problem with the adjustment on my kickdown cable? Is there a problem in my throttle linkage? Or is there some sort of problem within the transmission? Fluid is cherry red, and I change it every 15,000 miles.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Ed

There are 2 controls for downshift. You have a electrical switch for full throttle kick-down under the gas pedal. Also the control pressure cable will allow partial & full throttle kick downs.

M.B. DOC,

Thank you for your reply.

Since the problem I am having is more with partial throttle downshifts, should I replace the control pressure cable instead of the switch under the gas pedal?

My mechanic looked at the control pressure cable last night and said it "looked okay" and was "properly taught." Is it possible that there could still be something wrong with it that he could not see or feel?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Ed