Okay, more questions. First, this is not only my first Benz, but also my first diesel. I know I can expect it to be weak even though it is a turbo, but what the real problem is is that the transmission robs the power. It changes first at about 18 mph, then quickly again into high at about 25 mph. So from 25 to 40 mph, it has no pickup at all. At 40 and above, it has plenty of get-up-and-go. Now, if you shift manually, it is better, and will shift smoothly into high all the way up to 40 mph. However, when you start in low, it seems to have four gears. So, the question, I guess, is does it hurt to change it manually sometimes? It has the paperwork in the glove pocket that says it had a rebuilt ($2000) transmission from Aamco put in it in 1989. Oh yeah, DUH, where's the oil filter. Looks like an oil filter mounted behind the power steering pump, what gives?

To get the transmission to shift at a higher rpm is an easy thing to do with a bowden cable adjustment.
The oil filter is a bath type cartridge that is located on the drivers side rear of the engine. It looks like part of the engine and has two 13mm head bolts on top. Be sure to follow the rec. torque on top of the canister.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

So, would it be possible for me to do this "bowden cable adjustment?" If so, what/how do I do?