I searched the forums beforehand but couldnt find a thread on this.

When the transmission is on "E" is the car suppose to start on D2 (2nd gear)?

For comparison, when the transmission is on "S" is does indeed start on D1 (1st gear).

Please advise if "E" should start on D2 or if I need to take my car in for service (software update). Please advise.

My E-Class and my GLK both behave just as yours does, and my dealer told me that it was supposed to be so. I have, however, also driven a 2016 E350 which seemed to start in 1st gear even when in E mode. Somehow, I believe that the loaner is either supposed to be different, or has a problem. I think the second gear start is sort of a MB standard, as my old W201 also did this, as did several other MB's that were in the family.

Thank you Steve.

I was a little concerned because I thought I read somewhere that an owner took their vehicle in for service and had a software update done to their car that then allowed the car to start on D1 when on "E" mode.

However, it it seems based on your E-Class and GLK this seems to be standard to start on D2. I hope more owners can chime in.

My dealer told me my CLS starts in second gear when in E mode and 1st when in S mode, however, the display shows D1 when I am at a stop.

In your car near the gear shifter you will have a button that should say (C/S) or (C/S/M).

C = Comfort (Will start in 2nd gear and the car will be relaxed)
S = Sport (Car settings adjust to give you the best performance and gear starts in 1st).
M = Manual (Use paddles or gear shifter to change gears Left or Right etc, you control the gear changing).

When I am in E mode, the dash show I am in D1, but it is actually in 2nd gear?

For my 14 CLS, I start in D1 when in Comfort/Eco mode but shift into D2 pretty quick. For our 15 GLK, when in Comfort Eco mode, it starts in D2 but when in Sport mode, it starts in D1.

That is what it feel like in my 2014 CLS550 as well. When I get on the gas, it feels like it shifts into 2nd gear in less than 1 second.