Symptom is this - transmission works great during warm weather but in cold weather (below 60 deg.) when the transmission is cold (1st trip of the day) after leaving my house and driving about a 1/2 mile it hesitates in shifting from 2nd to 3rd (1st shift pattern) almost as if it is flairing but I don't think it is because it doesn't shift between gears or have a fluctuation in r.p.m.s. This is not the delayed upshift for catalytic conv. and usually occurs anywhere from 1/2 to 2 miles from start up. It is almost as if it is pump related (it seems as if it wants to shift but can't) after a second or two it will shift up to 3rd. Does not do this any other time and rest of the time the transmission works great.
This is a used transmission that was installed two years ago. At the time of install it had approx. 80,000 miles on it. I have installed a K1 kit (no difference), a new modulator valve (and have checked according to specs.) and changed the fluid and filter at least twice in about 10,000 miles (used Mobil 1, of course). I have no idea about previous maintenance of this transmission or type of fluid used but it was clean when delivered but not like a recent change. Any ideas would be appreciated. This one has me stumped. Thanks.

Anyone have ANY idea what might be causing this? I forgot to add that when the fluid (and filter) was changed that it did not have any unusual color or odor - also, no metal or debris in the pan. Fluid level is correct and no leaks.

Why do you say "This is not the delayed upshift for..." The initial upshift on our vehicles is supposed to be delayed when the engine is cold to facilitate a quicker warm-up; it's engineered that way. Are you sure you're experiencing a problem here???

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Eric

1991 560SEL-Euro (214,000 miles)
1989 420SEL (Retired from daily use at 325,000 miles; Use as donor vehicle)

Yes. It is not the "delayed upshift" (delayed to heat catalytic converter) function. This problem occurs when the transmission is still cold but not during the first few shifts. It happened again this morning. Something I noticed then is if I let up on the accelerator when it is doing this it will then shift as it should. If I don't it will continue to act as if it wants to shift but won't. Could this possibly be a vacuum problem?
I have taken this car to two dealers and several independent mechanics and they can not figure out what is wrong. I have also asked several MB techs and others that specialize in these transmissions - they have not experienced this and don't have a clue either.

Long short, but it could be your Bowden cable adjustment. won't hurt to try it.

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87 420 SEL
Looking for a nice mid 80's MB diesel.
87 BMW 528e (Sold)
99 TOYOTA 4Runner
1989 Honda Accord (Sold)
1988 Honda Accord (Total)

Thanks. Did a search on "bowden cable" and I found someone with a 560sl that has the exact same symptoms as mine. It was also suggested to adjust the bowden cable. I will try this and see what happens.
Thanks to all!!!