1990 300e won't shift
 

We have a 1990 300e 3.0 with 187000 miles on it. It is a part of the family---owned it since it was new. Treat it like a baby...over-serviced, over-washed--no dents -interior is like new.

Lately, Sometimes, not always, when you start it up it won't shift out of first gear or hesitates and then shifts. You can turn the ignition off and then restart it and it shifts o.k.. This has happened when it was cold and when it was already warmed up. Is it an electrical problem or a transmission problem. I have checked linkages and vacuum lines...all are o.k.. even replaced the modulator...no change. Can anyone help??????Not much hair left to pull out.

Thanks

There is an electrical solenoid at the drivers side of the trans at the front. try driving with that solenoid dis-connected & see if the problem changes OR goes away.