The 80's an NA right? I've noticed a huge difference in shifting between my 77 300dNA and the 2 turbo models I've owned. The NA always held first gear much longer when cold compared to the turbo models. I've always thought it was just the nature of the beast. I haven't owned multiple NA models with automatic transmission so it's likely I was just making a stupid assumption, although the previous owner described that shifting pattern as being a part of the car from new. My assumption was that something had been re-engineered in the shifting pattern once the additional horsepower of the turbo was there.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13