77 280SL - High rev before shifting from 1st

[Bandaidkid]

Good Day All:

I have recently purchased a 1977 280SL, which after purchasing and trying to find parts and information, I find out is a "grey market" vehicle in North America.

Since I am not that familiar with the older Mercedes-Benz and therefore may be incorrect, but I feel that it revs very high, 3500 - 4000 rpm, before shifting from first gear to second, in the 3 speed auto that is in it. The transmission was just serviced before I purchased the car, so the fluids are all new and levels are up. I can get it to shift more quickly, and also smoother, if I let up on the accelerator, but don't think that this should be necessary.

Any tips and advice you may have would be appreciated.

[Tomguy]

There is likely a rod connecting the linkage to the transmission, this rod is too short so the shift point is raised too high (It thinks the throttle is being pressed harder than it is). Lengthen the shift rod by removing it from the linkage and spinning out the connector until it rests on the ball stud when the linkage is at idle (in other words it isn't being pulled towards the radiator at idle, nor is it being pushed back; maybe a SLIGHT pull 1-2mm).