Shifting on this car was too soft, especially with a flare from 2-3. After warming up it was better, but still too soft.

I cranked up the modulator and now it shifts perfect when warm.

But when the car is cold it is a bit wacky- some 2-3 flare and it holds 1 too long.

I have read some posts by the regulars who claim this is normal and not much can be done (aside from letting the car warm up).

Now, my door locks only once or twice after shutting the car off, so it seems like I have a V leak at least in that system.

Would a V leak result in my shifting condition?

What should I do about this?

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

I think holding 1st gear longer could be explained by the fact that you have to push down the accelerator farther when cold to get the same horsepower out of the engine. This would delay the shift. I can't explain the flaring. Lower vacuum should make your shifts harsher, not softer so I don't think a leak can account for it. Maybe it's time for one of the shift kits.

__________________
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

'80 still has a .1 transmission, so shift kits are not available.

I hear you on the power thing, but my old 300sd (116) shifted consitantly whether warm or cold. Meaning always harsh, which is fine, I just want predictable and consitant with no flaring. I know I am probably asking for too much with a 28 year old car with a quarter million miles on the odo, but it's a hobby...

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

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.

__________________
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

Right, N/A.

Just took it out for a drive.

Door locks "pop" after about 4 minutes.

Climate control (early version, my favorite!) comes on after about 5 min. Car started with system set to auto low.

terrible flare 2-3. Gets better as car warms, but still shifts a bit soft even at operating temp, I think now.

My 80 116 SD always started in 2nd. Mercedesshop wasn't around yet so I never knew that it was supposed to start in first.

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E