"Just about every stoplight I downshift to start in first."

Y'know, I used to do that as well, but for some reason after a good tune-up, and some new plugs, the car started not only to do better in a 2nd start, but it also started doing the 2-1 kickdown by itself if I hit the accelerator from a stop and pushed it past half way down. I used to have to either downshift, or hit the accelerator all the way to the kickdown switch but that is no longer the case. What was really interesting is that 2-1 kickdown used to be harsh but since the tune-up it has been very smooth. I have done NOTHING to my transmission other than add a bit of fluid.

"The car is awful when loaded with 3-4 people, AC on, in the summer. My 300sel is in pretty good shape all things considered, the only oil leak I have still is the front main. "

I haven't used my A/C since the full tune-up, but I can totally agree with what you said about the load the A/C puts on the motor. I have converted (dealership) to 134. Are you using 134 or R12? I wonder if that makes a difference in the load the compressor puts on the motor. I have always thought that my A/C robs way more power than it ought to.


-tp