New Owner of 300TE help needed

[Shmulik]

I have got a 1992 300TE mercedes have several questions for the start,
1) Gear shifts from 1st to 2nd and 3rd with a feel of the shift.
Is it commun ?what need to do ?
2) I would like to start the base line with serviceing all oils which oil for transimotion ,engine I should go with ? I was told that syntetic or semi syntetic or maybe the usual 20/50 ?
3)Is there a trustfull mechanic in my area ? south bay area SF ?

thank you in advance