I have a 1992 MB 300E. After it sets over night when you start out it doesn't want to up shift for quite a while like maybe a block or so...then when it does it is a very harsh shift. After the first occurence then it is fine from then on till it sets again for a long duration. It's this problem from 1st to 2nd gear. Also, I notice it shifts nice from 1st to 2nd with the air conditioner off, but with the air conditioning on it is a somewhat harsher shift from 1st to 2nd gear. Is this normal from air on to air off? Or should there be no difference in shifting comfort with or without the airconditioning? Has anyone else encountered this problem. Any advise or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

Rebe
I believe the emissions system is causing the hard shift when the car is cold. If I remember right, the system helps get the catalytic converter up to temperature sooner by preventing the 1-2 shift at the normal rpm. Some morning try letting the engine warm up for 3-5 minutes before you leave and the first shift will be normal. I'm also curious about the a/c. I've got the transmission shifting just how I want it with the a/c off, but it shifts noticeably harder with a/c on.
Alan

Yes, it is an emissions issue. The car won't shift from 2-3 until 3000 RPMs for the first shift when the engine is cold. It's supposed to warm up the cat faster.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

I agree with the emissions issue on this vehicle, because it is a late California spec. My reading agrees with your 2nd to 3rd hold back for 60 to 80 seconds. That I could live with, but this is from 1st to 2nd gear. I fear lending it to anyone to drive on account of this...not wanting the rods thru the pan!! On 2nd to 3rd there is a much greater speed to rpm ratio that it can be tolerated. I do think this one is a variance to the norm, but if there is one out there that way it seems to find me. Thanks again for your help!!

Just out of curiousity when was the last time the tranny filter and fluid were properly changed..?

Only brainstorming thanks...

That's were I go next. I am waiting for the filter and gasket to get here for that. Will let you know if that solves the problem.