Can anyone describe to me the "normal" transmission operation on a late 80s to 91' 300 series? I am considering a couple of late 80s to 90' 300SE and 300SEL's and wondering how the transmission should normally shift. I have never driven one before, so not sure. I have driven Mercedes diesels in the past and know they often can have jerky shifts, but wondering if I should expect the same on the models with the 3.0L I-6 engines.

Thanks in advance.

Normal starts off in second gear. Get on the skinny pedal and it'll go to first. The 1-2 shift is hard enough to chirp the tires. 2-3 and 3-4 are much smoother.
On cold starts it will hold gears longer to rev the engine higher to light the catalytic converter off faster. At least that's how mine acts.

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1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC

but smoothly.
more firm than american cars and less smooth.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

All the late 80's early 90's Benz's I've driven have a smooth transition through the gears if you're easy on the throttle. If you get harder on it, the shifts get firmer.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

it doesn't really matter does it?????????

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1989 300TE

yes it matters. he is looking at used benzes and wants to know how they SHOULD shift if all is good.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.