91 300E hard shift from 1st to 2nd
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 259
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From: Calgary, AB
1995 E320 Cabriolet
91 300E hard shift from 1st to 2nd
Hey guys, Im new here and kind of new to the Benz world. I just bought a 91 300E automatic and it shifts kind of hard from 1st to 2nd, is this normal. Im used to hondas and their smooth shifting.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,468
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From: Socialist West Coast
95 E320, 19 Ram 1500 Hemi, 21 GLS 580(wife)
Do a search... There are a number of issues that could be the culprit. Check fluid and service history. these trannies shift firm, but should not be hard. Next inspect the vac lines to the tranny. These are vac modulated and those go bad.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 509
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From: Atlanta, GA and Richmond, VA
1991 300E
mine shifts hard from first to second.. it occasionally sticks a bit in first to second or second to third when the car is really cold. but my tranny has been fine (knock on wood) and i've got 153000 miles on my car. just my 2 cents. i don't know transmissions well or anything so i couldn't comment on the technical aspect. i hope you enjoy your car though and welcome. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,311
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From: Manchester, CT
Tho it is not recommended by MB...try a good sythetic tranny oil. I have used Redline ATF with noticeably quicker and smoother shifts. I also put Redline in the rear dif.
But yes, consensus seems to be the trannys aren't as 'smooth shifting' as you might find in a Jap or American car.
But yes, consensus seems to be the trannys aren't as 'smooth shifting' as you might find in a Jap or American car.
