My 89 560SEL with 64'ml on the clock seems to down shift quite hard from 3-2 in comparison to the downshift from 2-1, is this normal? It looks like my drivers seat doesn't adjust upwards as high as my passenger seat. Do the frames bend on these or is it just springs?

As to the seat: I had a similar situation with my 420 SEL. 2 things are both possible: 1. The seat adjuster isn't taking the seat as high as it shoud. (keep playing with it; run it forward, then back, then up several times. It may gain some height). 2. You need a new horsehair pad under your leather. You can get this easy; but installing it requires removing the seat.
As to the tranny, check the level of fluid (see recent posts) to see if it is overfilled. This might creat hard shifting. Otherwise, have a shop look at it.
64K on and '89 560. You have a true find there on perhaps the best MB sedan of the last 25 years; treat it right and spend some $ on it. No new luxury car today comes close.

Thanks Robert. I will probably look at getting the seat removed and taken apart as there is now a squeaky spring in the seat base that is quite annoying. I will get my mechanic to check the trans when it is in for it's next service. You are right, these cars are truely awesome and I am going to ensure that mine remains in perfect condition.

Seat
 

Matt

My drivers seat goes up and down OK but there is a definite 'tilt' toward the left. It is disconcerting as you get the feeling you are sitting on the side of a hill.

I'll wager the previous owner of my car was a bit hefty and maybe the springs have worn down on that side.