shoot me your VIN and I'll tell you. It Should kick down before you engage the kickdown switch on the floor. Could be the cable on the throttle linkage is not adjusted properly. Does the car shift smooth and crisp otherwise?

Jonathan

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Blue Ridge Mercedes
Jonathan Hodgman
http://www.blueridgemb.com/
Enthusiast Service, Restoration & Tuning.
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Located in the Atlanta area
Specializing in all pre and post merger AMG's including Hammers and DOHC M117 engines.
Mercedes Repair Atlanta