1974 280C Transmission Issue
 

When I start my 280C it initially tries to move forward a little bit. The shift between 1st and 2nd seems a little sloppy (rpm gain during the shift). I had thought about changine the filter and topping it off with fluid, but I have been warned about doing this. I am considering taking it to the local transmission shop but I don't know how much experience they have with Mercedes' transmissions. I live in central Nebraska and the closest dealer is over 100 miles away. If I take it into the shop does anyone have any ideas on what they should look for?
Thanks,

Absolutely change the fluid and filter before taking it to a shop.

Also search for "transmission flare" on the forum.

Do the filter/fluid change first. You got nothing to lose but a couple of bucks and some time.

The odds are your transmission is on its last legs but with some careful driving you can get quite a bit more out of it. I drove one with some horrendous flaring for three years until it finally called it quits.