As you will see from my sig, I have 3, W123 300D's.
In the youngest, the '84, if I am descending a hill and I shift back to 3rd, I hear the engine RPM rise and I feel the retardation of the engine braking.
On the other 2, when I shift down to 3rd, there is no noticable (audible) increase in engine RPM (no tacho), but I do get some retardation. I have not quantified the differences in vehicle speed on the same hill, but plan on doing so today.
All vehicles drive normally with no flaring during shifts, although they all snatch 1-2 & 2-3 when cold. They all have the same diff ratio.
Is there a problem with the transmission?

__________________
Tony from West Oz.
Fatmobile 3 84 300D 295kkm Silver grey/Blue int. 2 tank WVO - Recipient of TurboDesel engine.
Josephine '82 300D 390kkm White/Palamino int.
Elizabeth '81 280E, sporting a '79 300D engine.
Lucille '87 W124 300D non-turbo 6 cylinder OM603, Pearl Grey with light grey interior


Various parts cars including 280E, 230C & 300D in various states of disassembly.

I don't feel like I'm free coasting until 35mph or less, until then the tranny won't let the car just go as it pleases. At this point it is only doing it because it is still in 4th and if I haven't hit the accelerator it sees no need to downshift.

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

Can anyone help me?

I don't think anything is wrong with them Tony. The tranmission stays connected to the motor until ~55km/h then lightly disconnects if you are in 4th gear. By time you hit 40km/h you should have a nice smooth coast, but if you are in 3rd it'd probably still be connected.

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k