According to the data card for your VIN, your car was delivered from the factory with a 722.369 transmission. That's a 4 speed automatic. I suppose your car could have been modified, but that would be extremely unlikely.....

Here's a PDF of the MB data card.

(attachment link removed as a courtesy to initial poster)

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1994 E320 Wagon, 230,000 miles
1995 E320 Sedan, 106,000 miles
1994 E500 Sedan, 79,000 miles

Wow. I should have my PeachParts membership revoked for stupidity. The original window sticker says 4 speed also.

Thanks for this. Nice to have.

If the transmission was recently removed/reinstalled to replace the B3 friction discs, the bowden cable/upshift delay actuator would also have been disconnected/reconnected. If during that process the adjustment was altered, that would have an effect on your shift points. This is fairly easy to fiddle with, might be worth a try before committing to a transmission swap. Another possibility is that the upshift actuator on the transmission end of the cable is not properly installed. There is a hook that must engage a bellcrank on the inside of the transmission case. It is possible to install the actuator without properly engaging the hook. (ask me how I know this......) Also, the actuator receives a vacuum signal to delay upshift on a cold start. A defect in this part of the system might also cause adverse shifting......

You can test to see if the hook is engaged by removing the cable at the throttle actuator end. Pull slightly on the cable, if it "springs back" the hook is engaged.....

I attached a picture of what this bowden cable/upshift delay actuator looks like.

Keep in mind that I am just a hobbiest mechanic........

J. M. van Swaay

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1994 E320 Wagon, 230,000 miles
1995 E320 Sedan, 106,000 miles
1994 E500 Sedan, 79,000 miles

Oops, picture didn't upload. Here's a link instead:

PeachParts FastLane Mercedes Parts Store

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1994 E320 Wagon, 230,000 miles
1995 E320 Sedan, 106,000 miles
1994 E500 Sedan, 79,000 miles

Status report: I've been slowly adjusting the Bowden cable over the last few days. I hesitate to say the shift problem is gone, because it's been intermittent: May have turned the adjustment nut two full revolutions counterclockwise so far. I can tell a difference. Will update as it becomes more certain whether I've hit the sweet spot in the adjustment.

J.M., do you want to add a cabriolet to your collection of W124s? Thank you for your suggestions.

Funny you should ask. I've been looking for a cabriolet off and on for the last 2-3 years.

Any chance yours is pearl black or brilliant silver with a grey interior?

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1994 E320 Wagon, 230,000 miles
1995 E320 Sedan, 106,000 miles
1994 E500 Sedan, 79,000 miles

.......Pearl black with a black interior......... Darn the luck.

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1994 E320 Wagon, 230,000 miles
1995 E320 Sedan, 106,000 miles
1994 E500 Sedan, 79,000 miles