Mercedes transmission question

[derek]

I recently purchased a 1995 E320 and really love the car. One thing I noticed about the car is that in the morning when the car is cold, it doesn't want to downshift until the car is warmed up. This may be normal to this car, but I have never had a car or truck do this before. Otherwise, the car shifts normally. Is this normal or is this a potential problem?

[deanyel]

Slow to upshift, i.e. holding gears longer, when it's cold is normal. Not downshifting is not.

[mbdoc]

MB started SHIFT DELAY on their auto transmissions in 1990 here in the USA.
Helps with catalytic converter warm-up.

Normal on cold mornings (below 70F) for the engine to reach higher RPM's before shifting.

[derek]

Thanks MB Doc that helps. It only occurs seemingly below 70 deg. like you said.

[rwogs]

Mine does the same thing. Takes 4 or 5 blocks (depending onthe temp) before it will upshift. Other than that the trans runs fine.