I have a 1990 300e 4-Matic w/ 173,000 miles. When I shift into reverse or drive, there is a delay between 5 and 15 seconds before the gear engages. Once in gear, there is no slippage or shifting out of gear. The problem seems to occur whether the engine is warm or cold. The transmission fluid and filter have less than 15,000 miles and the the fluid level is good. Does anyone have an idea of what the problem is?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks.

 

has the tranny been redone?

 

I don't know.

 

no records?

 

No. I'm flying blind.

 

that's not good. hmm the tranny could need to be redone, fluid level maybe low or incorrect, or the throttle linkage is messed up...

 

When was the last time you had the fluid and filter changed? This sounds rather simple. Get the filter and fluid changed and then observe the transmissions responses.

 

^^^he changed it no less than 15k mi. ago.

 

Well i have E320 model 1995, automatic station wagon. By the way it is having 5 speed gear box. Anyhow i had the same slow shifting gear problem. Had read it in this forums. Put the car key in the ignition switch and move the car key only to the first stage of the switch. After that press the excelerator pedal to the carpet and start counting uptill 10 or look at your stop watch for 10 seconds. After that lift your foot from the excelerator pedal and move the key back to the off position. Do not take the key out of the ignation switch for 2 to 3 minutes.
Next time when you will drive your car you will find a sudden change in th egear shifting. The gear box will be more aggresive and you a driver will feel the difference. Atleast on my model there was a great difference in shifting.

Hope this helps you out