I have the same car. I am assuming that you have the W/S button on S when describing the abrupt shift from 1 - 2. I agree with rjnonnie and wait a few weeks until you and the car become used to each other. My wife is the primary driver of our car while I drive the '94 wagon. I find that it is a little abrupt when juicing it (which I do all the time ) and sometimes I put down rubber from a standstill . Fun car to drive, let it get to know you. Some common problems are starting to show in this car like glow plugs, MAF (mass air flow) meter, some motormounts, plastic fuel lines crack - also have the spring perch for each front tire checked. I think MB fixed this by '99 but just to be safe...BTW the car is pretty good in the snow with Hakkapeliitta's on it. Don't worry about the lab coat - I've seen a guy work on my car with a hair net, nitrile gloves and a lab coat.

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dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles