I have a 1981 300d. Lately, it has been shifting late in each gear. It will always shift before the max speed indicated on the speedometer. In the past, this usually occurred when I had a vaccuum leak but cannot locate one now. As it gets warm if you let completely off the gas at each normal gear change it will shift earlier. Thanks. Rob Thomas

Your symptoms indicate a simple solution!
You should try and adjust the BOWDEN CABLE. I am not sure how exactly this is done on your model Mercedes, but if you do a search, I'm sure you'll come up with more than enough information.
GOOD LUCK!

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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

You may have a sticking portion of the linkage that the bowden cable is connected to. Start by cleaning and adding grease.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS