redbreath,

OK, I'm subscribed to this thread now and Ill take you through this to the best of my ability.

-fluid and filter are OK
-master brake line level is ok

Its time to check if the modulator hold vaccuum. Search for a thread with me and tankdriver, theres an explanation of how to do this in there. Make the prescribed measurements I told tankdriver to do and report back. That will tell us a lot.

My bet is that you have a moderate leak in your central locking system. It takes a while for the vacuum to come up to full since the leak slows the building of the vacuum. Eventually, it does get to the correct level and shifting is fine. BUT, i hate to jump to solutions. Data is needed.

dd

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car