From my experience, Suginami is correct. It is the the vacuum modulator that controls the aburptness (firmness) of a shift.

If the shift is hard but seems well timed, its the Vac Mod. If the transmission shifts too early it is probalby the cable adjustment. Be sure the Vac Mod is not malfunctioning, that it has its vacuum line going to it, the rubber tube connector is not brittle or cracked: Check to see it will hold a vacuum.

When was the last time the trans was serviced with the proper filter AND all of the ATF was drained including the torque converter? Have you checked the ATF level (engine running) when hot after driving at least 20 mins. Or cold (and running) where the ATF is 10mm below the lower mark?

If an engine is not running properly and has low power, one can often think the problem is with the trans or its adjustment.

BTW, I just did the trans service on my 190e last weekend and used Mobil1 Syn ATF and I really like the results. Expensive ATF but seems to work well. 190e trans are not suppose to go 230K miles from what I have read.

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)