420 sel slow downshift when floored
 

1988 420 sel is slow to downshift when i floor it to pass. it will kick in and fly set you back in your seat, it just takes longer than most automatics i have driven. anybody know why this is like this?

There is a slide adjustment for the transmission cable located behind the aircleaner. You can try adjusting that to see if it makes a difference. This also helps if your car is upshifting too early. Make sure you mark it first so you can put it back if you have to.

This is also called the bowden cable, in case you are doing a search. It's pretty easy to adjust. Made my 380SE much much peppier!

Yes, it's the kickdown cable. When you adjust it longer (and that what you need) it will drop shift sooner and when you adjust it shorter it will up/down shift after a longer time and speed. Be aware that playing with not knowing what you are doing may miss align the shifting time. Just once you finished aligning it and you are happy with the shifting drive in a speed of 100KM/H the without acceleration manually move the transmission handle to the 3rd gear, here it must respond and downshift by force to the 3rd gear. If it didn't respond then you need to realigne it.